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MRS. L. T. MEADE. 




OCEANA’S 

GIRLHOOD 


BY 

MRS. L. T. MEADE, 

AUTHOR OF “ SWEET GIRL GRADUATE,” ” GIRL OF THE TRUE BLUE,’ 
“VERY NAUGHTY GIRL,” ETC., ETC. 



. ILLUSTRATED. 



NEW YORK 

HURST & COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 


\ A ^ 

b'' ' 




Copyright, 1909 

BY 

HURST & COMPANY. 




jUBRARY of OONGRF.S-S 

Two CoDif;!; RiiCP'ved 

JUL 2 

^ Oopyrntnt Eotry , 

C, 

'CLASS ^ AAc, *So. 


1 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


CHAFER I 

The great ship Hercules was riding on the waves to 
her doom. It was a wild night in November. There 
were cries of distress and anguish on board the huge ves- 
sel. Men and women, many of them half clothed, were 
rushing from their state cabins, each and all eager to 
reach the decks and be the first to fill the boats. For the 
Hercules, on the crest of an enormous wave, had struck 
upon a projecting rock, and was already settling dowm in 
the trough of the sea. 

Meanwhile, the people on shore were doing their ut- 
most. The lifeboats had been launched, and were mak- 
ing for the ship, with its struggling, fighting, screaming 
freight of human beings. Women were wringing their 
hands, children were crying piteously ; stern, brave men 
were fighting for their own lives and those dear to them, 
with their heroism tried to the utmost, for well they knew 
that there was scarcely any hope of escaping the cruel 
sea. 

The storm into which they had ridden was one of the 
most terrific that had been known for long years off the 
Devonshire coast, and when the morning broke sadly with 
lowering clouds and high winds, and fierce desolation 

1 


2 


OCEAISTA’S GIELHOOD 


over the land, the harrowing and awful fact was made 
known to those on shore that every individual on board 
the Hercules had gone to the bottom, with the exception 
of one strong man who, more dead than alive, had man- 
aged to reach the shore with a little child of about three 
years old secured to his back. 

Friendly neighbours had managed to help the man to 
reach a safe footing on terra firma; but now he lay on 
the shore like dead, and the coastguards with their wives, 
also the farmers, and the gentry from the neighbourhood, 
crowded round him. More than one doctor was present, 
and all that could be done was done to bring back life 
and animation to his stalwart form. 

The Hercules went to her doom in the early ’90’s of 
the last century, and the man who had rescued the child 
did at last reward the efforts of the country folk by open- 
ing his eyes and gazing feebly into the face of one kindly 
woman. 

Your name ? ” he whispered. 

She looked down at him. She had a fair, smooth, oval 
face, and the expression of a Madonna. 

I am Mrs. Barfoot,” she said, and my husband 
and I — us own a farm near here — we’ll do what us can, 
ess, what us can, to help you. Tell your name, sir, and 
the name of the child.” 

The man looked with a wondering sort of gaze around 
him. 

The child,” he whispered, the child.” 

For the first time he noticed that the little child he had 
brought to shore at the risk of his own life had been 
taken away. Mrs. Barfoot knelt by him, and took one 
of his icy hands. 

The baby’s all right, sir, bless her heart ! Her is 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


3 


well and hearty, and my good man has taken her into a 
tavern yonder to get her something hot to drink. You 
haven’t lost your little child, sir ; her is safe and well.” 

The man struggled feebly for breath; then, regaining 
his voice, he motioned to the woman to bend closer. 

“ I am dying,” he said feebly. “ I have — only — a 
minute — left. I had a blow — here.” He pressed his 
heart. “ Will you — look after the girl ? ” 

That I will, sir ; I love all childer, and she’s a lovely 
piece.” 

You promise you will look after her ? ” 

As I believe in God Almighty, I will.” 

The woman’s kind eyes filled with tears, and one great 
drop fell on the dying man’s cold hand. 

“ Women like you,” he said, keep their word. The 
child is — is ” 

Don’t ’ee tire yourself talking, sir. You want me 
to do well by the child, and I will, and I’ll do well by 
you, too, sir, that I will. IJs is goin’ to get a stretcher, 
and you shall be taken to Barfoot’s Farm and mine — 
the Ridge Farm it’s called. You’ll be able to look arter 
your own little ’un, sir.” 

Hush,” was the answer. It is God’s will. I am 
dying. You mustn’t move me, and the child isn’t — isn’t 
mine. She is of high rank, and — a great heiress. Her 
name — < — ” 

Yes, sir, her name ? ” 

Is ” 

Do ’ee try and tell her name, sir. I promise every- 
thing. I’ll be a mother to she, but tell I her 

name.” 

Child of the Sea,” he murmured, “ drawn out of the 


waves.' 


4 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 

He looked vacantly and wildly round him. Then, with 
a sharp cry, he breathed his last. 

He’s dead, neighbour,” said a man who had caught 
a few words of the conversation between the two. 

'' If that’s your opinion, Farmer Bates, us ’ad best 
find my husband,” said Mrs. Barfoot, rising to her feet. 
“ Yes, he do be dead, and he’s told me nothing. Well, 
I promised he that I’d care for the little ’un and I’ll do 
it. Where be she now, Farmer Bates? ” 

‘‘They’re giving her bread and milk at the ‘Jolly 
Huntsboy,’ ” was Farmer Bates’s reply. “ It’s an awful 
tragedy,” he continued ; “ God Almighty knows, it’s all 
that. Only one person spared, and that but a babe. It’s 
enough to scare the nerves, Mrs. Barfoot.” 

“ Let’s go at once to the child,” said the woman ; “ she 
is mine now. I promised the man who has just died to 
take care of her.” 

It was in the November of 1890 that the Hercules 
perished with 800 passengers and a large crew. It was 
in 1900 that Mrs. Barfoot stood, on a lovely October 
morning, watching four children on their way to a neigh- 
bouring school. She had the same kindly face and genial 
appearance which had so attracted the eyes of the dying 
stranger ten years ago. She was an amply made woman, 
with generosity written all over her. 

Her sweet brovm eyes rested now in particular on one 
member of the group that was just departing for school. 

“ I’ll ax you, Oceana,” she said, “ to larn your lessons 
well to-day, so as to come back a good girl to your pore 
mammy. You’ll promise, won’t you, my dearie dear ? ” 

“ But, mother,” said a boy, who must have been 
Oceana’s senior by a year or two. “ Her can’t be good, 
’tain’t in she.” 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


5 


The girl addressed as Oceana turned swiftly, gave the 
boy a saucy glance, then, running up to the woman, flung 
her arms round her neck. 

I’ll try my very hardest to be good for your sake, 
mammy mine, but don’t let Ted know, for he frets me at 
times past bearing, and so, for that matter, do Dolly and 
Flossie. You’re the only one that never frets me or 
puts me out, mammy mine.” 

Eh, my darling,” said the woman. But they 
sha’n’t anger you, my pet lamb. It’s sound sense that 
they ain’t like you. Children, be good to your sister; 
remember, her’s not as strong made as you are. Off 
with you now, all four, and let me have a good report 
when you come back from morning school. Mayhap I’ll 
have apple dumplings for dinner: mayhap I won’t, 
there’s no saying.” 

The boy and the two younger girls raised a shout of 
delight when their mother made this announcement, but 
the tallest girl said nothing. Presently the little group 
of four disappeared over the brow of a hill, and Mrs. 
Barfoot returned to the kitchen. A rough, hearty-look- 
ing man was standing there. He was cleaning out his 
blackened pipe, and flicking the ashes into the stove. 

Well, mother,” he said, you’re a smart ’un, and 
I’ve no fault to find with you, but all the same, you do 
make a fool of yourself about Oceana.” 

I’ve made my mind up, Luke,” was the woman’s 
reply. I’ll tell her every single thing to-night. Bain’t 
her a wondrous and lovely thing, Luke ? Her’s as differ- 
ent from our own as chalk is from cheese.” 

I wouldn’t turn agen my own flesh and blood if I 
was you, Mary,” replied the man. Us has fine childem 
of our own — not that I’ve a word to say agen Oceana, 


6 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


Oceana has a hearty welcome from me because you saved 
her, good wife; yes, your very self, from the trough of 
the ocean. But she bain’t my flesh and blood, and why 
we should make more of her than our own beats me. It 
lies in a nutshell that it ain’t fair.” 

Perhaps it ain’t fair,” replied Mary Barf oot ; all 

the same, I can’t help it.” 

Barfoot refilled his pipe, and strode out into the farm- 
yard. He was a fine, burly specimen of the Devon 
farmer, very broad in build and well made. He had a 
great flowing beard, and a voice deep as a church bell. 

Maiy went upstairs to attend to the bedrooms. She 
went last of all to her nursery, where her two younger 
children were playing happily under the care of a village 
maid. 

You can take ’em out, Lizzie. The day’s fine, and 
they’ll come to no harm.” 

Lizzie began to make active preparations, and the 
mother helped her to put her twin babies, the last of the 
family, into their out-door garments. Presently little 
maid and children disappeared downstairs, and Mrs. 
Barfoot had the upper part of the house to herself. 

She had now finished her morning duties. Her next 
care would be to return to the kitchen, and prepare a 
big and hearty dinner for her unruly offspring on their 
return from school. She was the sort of woman who in- 
variably put duty first and pleasure last. Even per- 
plexities and heart-burnings and sudden fears must step 
aside before the imperative call of duty. 

Nevertheless, on this morning, the woman’s face wore 
a troubled expression. 

I don’t like to tell she, but it can’t be hid much 
longer,” was her thought. '' Mayhap her’ll never call 


OCEAISTA^S GIKLHOOD 


7 


me ^ mammy mine ’ again. If s that voice of hers makes 
me worship she. Mayhap, her ’ll turn agen me and set 
me tremblin’ and shakin’ and tryin’ once more to find 
out who she be, and wherever she do come from. I’ve 
thought of it often, and often, and often, but she’s thir- 
teen years of age, and I can’t hide things much longer. 
Barfoot thinks she need never know, but I bain’t made 
that way. Her has eyes that force the truth out of you. 
Blue as the sea they be ; blue as the sea on a summer’s 
day, and as clear and as wonderful. Ho, I can’t lie to 
my darling any more.” 

The woman crossed the cheerful nursery, and opening 
a big bureau which stood by one of the walls, took from 
it a little box. Within was the shirt of a very young 
child, a shirt made of the finest cambric, trimmed with 
delicate, real lace, and embroidered in one corner were 
the letters L.E.F. The woman held the little shirt be- 
tween herself and the light. It was stained with sea- 
water, and was no longer white,, but yellow, neverthe- 
less the initials, L.F.F., were distinct and could be easily 
read. 

Shut my mouth as I may,” thought Mary Barfoot, 

this’ll always come up as a witness to the truth of what 
her really do be. Her’s of high birth, and a great heir- 
ess, so he said, poor soul, when he was going to meet his 
Maker. But as far as I can see, and as far as Barfoot 
can see, all that her inherits is a little bit of a washed- 
out shirt, with the letters L.F.F. embroidered on it. 
There bain’t much of a clue in these ; there ba’n’t, so to 
speak, any clue. Her’s been happy here, but what lies 
before her God Almighty knows.” 

That which immediately lay before Oceana, as her 
supposed father and mother and brothers and sisters 


8 


OCEAISTA^S GIRLHOOD 


called her, was very close at hand. The farmer’s own 
children were of the type which may be met every day 
of the week amongst the farming folk of Devonshire. 
They were fine, hearty young creatures, broad and well 
made. The girls had brown eyes, like their mother’s and 
the same oval round faces. The boy, Ted, had fierce 
eyes, coal black hair, and a masterful manner. He now 
linked his hand roughly through Oceana’s arm, and 
pulled her away from his sisters. She turned as he did 
so, and looked at him. 

Don’t be so rough, Ted ; you know I hate it,” she 
said. 

Why don’t ’ee talk like the rest on us ? Why does 
you pronounce your words so queer ? ” 

I pronounce them in the right way,” said Oceana 
proudly. 

She was a year younger than Ted, but taller than her 
young foster brother. Her figure was very slim and 
straight, her hair abundant and dark as night ; but with 
this dark hair she had one peculiarity. Her eyes were 
as blue as though she really were a child of the sea. Her 
little features were delicate, and her complexion, com- 
pared to Flossie’s, with its innumerable freckles, and 
Dolly’s, so sunburnt, as to leave little trace of its original 
colour, was a study in itself. Ho rough chastening winds 
could bring added colour to that delicate face. The 
cheeks were always faintly touched with rose, the fore- 
head was always white. 

Us’ll be late for school, if us don’t look out,” said 
Ted. IJs had best run, or mother won’t give we the 
apple dumplings her promised.” 

It was just at this moment that a carriage suddenly 
turned the corner. It was drawn by a pair of fine horses, 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


9 


and within there sat a solitary lady, a very dark-eyed, 
bright-looking woman. 

The children generally went to school by the lower 
road, which wound in zig-zag fashion along by the rocks. 
The shore lay just below. Ted, eager to be in time, was 
running and brandishing his bag of hooks. The horses, 
coming suddenly on the scene, took fright. The coach- 
man, with some difficulty, drew them up. The lady’s face 
was pale and frightened. Ted, expecting a reprimand, 
thought it wisest to take to his heels. His two sisters 
followed his example, but Oceana held her ground. 

I’m so sorry you were frightened,” she said, looking 
at the lady with her deep blue eyes, and speaking in her 
pretty refined voice. 

The lady had been so frightened she had not yet recov- 
ered her temper. 

My name is Lady Margaret Manners. I am staying 
with Sir Charles Dyke and his family. I shall speak to 
him about allowing children to behave so disgracefully 
on the roads which belong to his property. Thank you, 
little girl ; you mean to be polite, but you had better teach 
that rough boy friend of yours to understand that he 
must not behave so violently in future.” 

You mustn’t speak against him,” said Oceana, “ be- 
cause he is my brother.” Then she added, pathetically: 

And Ted won’t learn polite manners, he won’t, al- 
though I like them myself — ’ess, I do well.” 

Something in the child’s voice caused the lady to turn 
and gaze at her reflectively. 

What is your name?” she asked suddenly. 

Oceana.” 

A queer name. Why were you called it ? ” 

It was this way, I believe. When I was a babe, and 


10 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


before I was christened, my fayther took me out in a 
boat, and the boat capsized, and we was both nearly 
drownded; but I was drawn safe out of the sea for all 
that. So my own mammy calls me Oceana. Oceana 
means the Child of the Sea.” 

The lady gazed reflectively at the little girl. 

“ Thank you, child,” she said. '' I won’t keep you 
now. You are on your way to school ? ” 

Oceana nodded. 

You are a pretty little girl ; your eyes are very blue.” 
The child’s face brightened at this speech. 

‘‘ That’s because I was drawn out of the sea,” she 
said. They were washed by the sea waves, you under- 
stand, lady, and that blued ’em. My own mammy says 
so.” 

What is your mammy’s name ? ” 

“ Barfoot. My fayther, he be Farmer Barfoot. We 
live at the Ridge Farm. It’s a good mile from here. 
I’ll be late for school, lady ; I must go.” 

Yes, go, Oceana.” 

The child ran fast and was soon out of sight. Lady 
Margaret Manners sat very still in her carriage. 

The whole idea is quite absurd,” she said to herself, 
but I must have my mind set at rest. Home,” she 
called in her imperious voice to the coachman, and a few 
minutes later the carriage had driven past wide iron 
gates and up a stately avenue until it arrived at the front 
entrance of Sir Charles Dyke’s place, which went by the 
name of Piers Island. 

To reach Piers Island you had to go along a causeway, 
which, under certain conditions, was covered by the sea. 
Sir Charles’s place occupied the entire island, and was 
in itself one of the most beautiful, the sunniest, and, in 


OCEA^TA’S GIELHOOD 


11 


calm weather, the warmest spot to be found in this part 
of Devonshire. 

Lady Margaret descended from her carriage and en- 
tered the house. A man called out, Hullo, Margaret, 
you are back early,’’ and Lady Margaret hurried in the 
direction of the voice. 

Come and walk with me, Charles,” she said. I 
wish to have a talk with you.” 

Yes, in a moment, Margaret.” He turned to give 
a direction to the groom who had just appeared. Then 
he followed the lady out of doors. 

I very nearly had a nasty adventure,” she began. 

A boy called Barfoot frightened your horses, and, but 
for your coachman’s skill, the carriage might have been 
upset, and the horses might have plunged over the rocks 
into the sea. What savages some of these children are ! ” 

The Barfoots are very respectable,” said Sir 
Charles. I do not think any of the Barfoot’s children 
would be guilty of an impertinence to a lady. I cannot 
believe that the boy meant anything.” 

He was swinging his bag of books about and shout- 
ing.” 

Oh, he was on his way to school. Did he see the 
carriage coming ? ” 

Ho ; we were just turning round by the headland. I 
must own that we came suddenly on the lad. Still, on 
that dangerous, unprotected road, such things ought to 
be prevented, Charles.” 

Well, I am heartily glad you are not hurt, Margaret. 
The next time I see Barfoot I will tell him the children 
must behave quietly on their way to school.” 

Lady Margaret was silent. After a minute’s pause, 
she continued : I have something else to say. I wasn’t 


12 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


hurt, and mj fright doesn^t matter. Amongst that group 
of children was one so unlike the rest that I can scarcely 
believe she really belongs to them. There were four 
children in the group. Three ran away at once, as chil- 
dren of that class will, but the fourth held her ground, 
and expressed sorrow in quite a pretty manner for the 
fright her brother had given me. Do you know these ^ 
people, Charles ? ” 

I know all about them,” was the hearty answer. 

Oceana must have been the child who impressed you. 
She is not a Barfoot at all.” 

Lady Margaret, who had been walking sedately, sud- 
denly stumbled. Sir Charles took her arm. She steadied 
herself, and continued her walk, looking very erect and 
stately. 

My dear Margaret, you did get a fright that time. 

I am ever so sorry. You look quite pale.” 

Tell me about the child,” she asked hurriedly. I 
am really interested in her. She is a pretty, graceful 
creature. You say she is not a Barfoot. Who is sbe ? ” 

Ah,” said Sir Charles. I wish I knew. Hobody 
knows. In 1890 there was a terrible wreck here — the 
wreck of the Hercules, The news of that awful disaster 
was spread all over England, for not a living creature, 
except that one child, was saved from the sea. Those 
good people, the Barfoots, promised the man, who, al- 
though he brought her safe to shore, died soon after- 
wards, to take care of her, and well they have kept their 
word. She has been brought up like one of their own. I 
have often remarked to my wife about her beauty, and 
I often think that something ought to be done for her. 
Why, Margaret, you certainly look pale and tired.” 

I am, a little. But what an interesting story. 


I 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


13 


Charles! So the Barfoots have adopted the little crea- 
ture, not having the slightest idea who she is ? ” 

No one knows who the child really is. At the time 
of the shipwreck everything was done that could be 
thought of to identify her. I myself spent a considerable 
sum in advertising about her, but not knowing even her 
name, no information was forthcoming. The last thing 
the poor fellow who brought her to shore said was that 
she was an heiress, and a child of high rank. Before he 
could give further information, he breathed his last.” 


CHAPTEE II 


Tell me more of jour story,” said Lady Margaret. 
I am intensely interested. I just dimly remember 
bearing the story of the wreck of the Hercules, Of 
course it was one of the great shipping disasters of that 
year ; but as a matter of fact, I never heard that anyone 
was saved from the wreck. So this child was ? Did you 
take any steps to discover the real parentage of the poor, 
little sea waif ? ” 

I got my own lawyers to take up the case,” replied 
Sir Charles. The man who saved her life said that she 
was of high birth and a great heiress. Such information 
was most stimulating in itself, but before he could tell 
her name he died. There was, therefore, little or nothing 
to go on. J^evertheless, my lawyers did not leave a stone 
unturned in endeavouring to discover the identity of the 
child. All in vain.” Lady Margaret breathed a sigh of 
relief, which Sir Charles could not help hearing. 

About a year after the shipwreck,” he continued, 
my wife and I wished to adopt the girl ourselves, for 
we had no children then, and to have such a pretty little 
one in our home would have been delightful — in fact, my 
wife went to see Mrs. Barfoot about it.” 

And the woman did not jump at the offer? How 
strange of her! ” 

She was most firm on the point. She was deter- 
mined not to accept it under any conditions whatsoever. 
She said that she had given a promise to one who was 
14 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


15 


dead, and that promise was to the effect that she would 
personally look after the child. ‘ And look after her I 
will,’ she said, ‘ until she comes in for her own.’ ” 

This Mrs. Barfoot must have been a good sort of 
woman. But surely, Charles, it would not be in any way 
cruel to the Barfoots to offer to give the poor girl some 
education. Of course the man who brought her to shore, 
and who saved her life, may have been delirious when he 
uttered those words ; or even if that was not the case, he 
may have lied with regard to her. Nevertheless, she 
does look like one of gentle birth. I am much interested 
in this story; I should like to see Mrs. Barfoot.” 

Well, Margaret, there is nothing to prevent you. 
She can only tell you what I have already told you ; but 
I doubt very much if she will ever consent to part with 
the child.” 

“ These things can be managed,” said Lady Margaret, 
and a queer, unfathomable sort of smile flitted across her 
face. 

It was on that very same evening, when the young 
Barfoots had all gone to bed, that mammy mine,” as 
Oceana called her hearty and loving foster-mother, drew 
the girl down to sit on a low creepy stool ” at her feet. 

Now tell your mammy all about that flne lady over 
again,” she said. 

Oh but, mammy, I am tired of her,” said Oceana. 

Her looked so scornful, and as though she’d like to hit 
Ted if she could.” 

I suppose she’s one of the fine folks,” replied Mrs. 
Barfoot, with a sigh. ’Tis the way of they to look 
down on we.” 

I don’t know, mammy ; if she’s a fine lady, I don’t 
like her. I’d a sight rayther be rough like our Ted; 


16 


OOEAHA^S GIKLHOOD 


only all the same, Mammy, Ted should mind his man- 
ners ; and when he does frighten horses, he ought to saj 
out bold, ^ I^m sorry/ I donT belong to the fine folk, do 
I, mammy ? but I couldnT see a lady turn as white as that 
lady did — although she wasnT in any real danger — 
without saying ^ I’m sorry/ ” 

You’re made different, my darling,” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot. You can’t help your nature, and no more, for 
that matter, can poor Ted.” 

But why am I made different, mammy mine ? Was 
there something different put into me when fayther took 
me out in the big boat, and the boat was capsized, 
and I was drawn out of the sea, and my eyes were 
blued?” 

It were further back even than then,” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot, in a low voice which had a sort of break or catch 
in it. 

The girl looked at her eagerly. 

“ What is the matter ? Have I hurt you ? ” she asked. 

“ Ho, my lovely dear ; you have never done that yet. 
But I am hurt in my soul at having something to tell 
you, Oceana — something you ought to know.” 

Don’t tell me, mammy. I don’t believe for a minute 
I ought to know if telling it hurts you.” 

“ It’ll hurt us both,” said the woman ; and yet you 
must know. You are thirteen years old, and a well- 
grown girl — taller than my Ted, bless him ! although he 
turned fourteen his last birthday.” 

The child sat very still. There was something in Mrs. 
Barfoot’s manner which impressed her. After a time she 
said in a low voice : I can always talk to you — ^you al- 
ways understand. I felt a sort of fear creeping over me 
as I stood by the side of that lady to-day — the lady with 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


17 


the black, black eyes, and the cold manner. I felt some- 
how that I wished to run away from her — to run far 
away. I had to stand my ground, of course ; but I didn’t 
like it. There now, I have confessed to you, mammy 
mine, that your Oceana is a coward after all.” 

Not a bit of it,” said Mrs. Barfoot. Creep up 
into my arms, Oceana; you be none so big that I can’t 
hold you tight. There now, nestle your head here, and 
let me whisper to you.” 

The girl obeyed, twining her lithe young arms round 
her foster-mother’s waist, and laying her dark head on 
the woman’s broad shoulder. 

There’s none of ’em I love so well,” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot. There — it’s out — and it’s true. Not Ted, my 
first-bom, nor Flossie, nor Dolly, nor the twins — bless 
their sweet little faces! — none of ’em comes as close to 
my heart as you do.” 

Is it because I’m your second child ? ” asked Oceana. 

“ No, no, no — that’s the pain of it. You’ve got to 
bear it, as I’ve got to tell it. You are no child of mine.” 

The girl suddenly sprang to her feet. She stood as up- 
right as though she were a young fir-tree. All the colour 
had fled from her cheeks, and her eyes lost some of their 
intense blue. 

We took ’e from the sea — from the cruel, cruel sea 
ten years back, Oceana. We called you Oceana, for it 
means to us Child of the Sea. There was a brave man 
who lost his life trying to save you — he did save you, 
and he gived you to me with his last breath. I promised 
him faithful and true that I’d look after you, my sweet, 
and do for you as though you was my very own. There 
now; don’t look so white, my pretty. The love I bear 
you is as great, and perhaps greater, than the love I have 

2 


18 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


given to the children I have rajself brought into the 
world. But you han’t mj child. We none of us know 
who you be, Oceana. We don’t know what your real 
name is, nor who the folks be to whom you rightly be- 
long. Only us do feel, Luke and me, that God A’mighty 
gived you to us right out o’ the trough o’ the sea, and that 
you’ve brought us luck.” 

But I han’t your child ! ” said the girl, in a low 
voice which seemed to come from some depths only just 
awakened in her nature. 

That’s the sore, sore part,” replied Mrs. Barfoot. 

The girl now knelt down, and laid her head on Mrs. 
Barfoot’s knee. Her long thick hair fell about her 
shoulders. She did not cry. She remained very still. 
After a time she looked up. 

You’re shocked,” said Mrs. Barfoot. I’ll never be 
mammie mine to you any more.” 

Shocked ! ” said Oceana then — shocked ! You say 
truth, you couldn’t tell a lie ; you han’t my mother — and 
fayther’s not my fayther ; and Ted’s not my brother ; and 
the others — oh ! they’re naught to me at all. I am alone 
— all alone ! I haven’t got anyone — anyone belonging to 
me — in all the world ! And you ask me if I’m shocked! 

It’s human nature for you to be shocked, my best 
darling ; but if you think ” 

Hush ! ” said Oceana. May I go to bed now, 
mammy ? ” 

Ah, then — you can call me mammy ! ” 

I’ll never call you aught else ; and I’ll never call 
fayther aught else but fayther. I wish, mammy, you 
hadn’t spoilt the story of the big boat, and the boat cap- 
sizing, and me being dr awed from the sea. You made it 
into a beautiful fairy tale, and now you’ve crushed the 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


19 


life out of it and given me another fairy tale in its place. 
Perhaps I’m a mermaid, mammy.” 

No, child, no. You’re a lady born, Oceana. You 
was brought to shore in the arms of a strong man, a good 
man, a brave man. Eh, but he was good to you, Oceana ; 
he gived up his life for you.” 

Listen,” said Oceana. “ I, who was the happiest 
girl on earth, am now the loneliest. I, who was so full 
of blessings, am now empty. I can’t take it in — not a 
bit. I don’t w^ant to be a fine lady. I don’t want any- 
thing but just to be your child, mammy.” 

In my heart of hearts, you be my best of childem,” 
said the woman, crying now as she spoke. 

Well, then, listen. This has crushed me, and I must 
get over it. I won’t go to school to-morrow. I won’t talk 
to Ted and the girls about this. I won’t even see fayther. 
I’ll stay all by my lonesome to-morrow, and in the even- 
ing I’ll come and talk to you. Do the others know? 
Have you told them ? ” 

Not a word — not a syllable, my darling ; but your 
fayther — he knows ; he has known all along. I told him 
that I’d confess the whole truth to you to-night. You’ll 
bear up, won’t you, my best child ? ” 

Give me to-morrow as a whole holiday, and in the 
evening I’ll come and talk to you. I’m going straight to 
bed now. Yes — I am shocked ; for I am — alone ! ” 

1 “ Sleep with mammy mine to-night, my beautiful 

dear.” 

I can’t,” said the girl. She left the old kitchen, and 
went up the low, creaking oak stairs, and presently en- 
tered the tiny bedroom which her foster-mother had pre- 
pared for her, and which she had slept in as long as she 
could remember. 


20 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


But Oceana did not undress that night. She lay strug- 
gling with herself. Wild thoughts were passing through 
her mind. She was fighting with loneliness. At supper 
that very night she had been a happy, careless child. 
She had a mother and a father of her own ; a brother — 
good-natured, although somewhat rough; sisters to play 
with; and twin babies to love. She was one of the 
family, and had her rights, as the others had theirs. But 
now, quite suddenly, she had no rights. She was alone. 

She waited, lying very still, until she heard Mrs. Bar- 
foof s heavy step on the stairs. The good woman entered 
the room where her husband lay already fast asleep. A 
minute or two later Oceana had opened her window, 
climbed out, and, by the help of an old pear-tree, had let 
herself down to the ground beneath. Once there, she 
looked around her. There came a moaning sound from 
the sea, and that strange, inexplicable sound called the 
girl. She turned eagerly towards it, and saw a path of 
silver moonlight extending across the waves. 

I am coming — my darling — ^my beloved ! ’’ she said 
with a new and sudden rapture, and ran as fast as she 
could in the direction of the shore. 


CHAPTEK III 


There was someone else who slept badly that night. 
That person was Lady Margaret Manners. 

Lady Margaret was a widow of several years’ standing. 
She had a son, sixteen years of age. Her son was at 
Eton. She had also a daughter two years younger. The 
girl was being carefully educated in Paris. The boy’s 
name was Percival. The girl was called, after her 
mother, Margaret. 

Lady Margaret Manners was wealthy in her own right 
In addition to this, her husband had left her fine pos- 
sessions, and her son was the heir to a very large property 
in the Horth of England. 

As Lady Margaret lay now with her head pressed 
against her downy pillow, she kept saying over and over 
to herself : Why did I take that drive this morning ? 
Why did that girl speak to me when the others ran away ? 
Why is it that I cannot get her face out of my head? 
I am sure that I am mistaken about her. My fears are 
founded on worn-out nerves. I have not been strong or 
like myself since Percival’s dangerous illness last spring. 
I have never .been quite myself since ten years ago, wh< 
my dear husband died and gave me what he considci 
a sacred duty to perform. He told me that I was not 
leave a stone unturned to find the lost child and put hei 
into her rightful possession. I — Percival’s mother — 
was not to leave one stone unturned to give the unknown 
child what will belong to Percival ! I made my promise ; 

21 


22 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


I told mj dear husband that I would fulfil his dying 
wish. I kept my word. I went warily and secretly to 
work. The news of the wreck of the Hercules had not 
come to my dying husband’s ears, but it reached me. I 
made cautious inquiries, first in America, then in Eng- 
land. I was assured that the child was dead. I was 
given plainly to understand that the man who was bring- I 
ing the child to England was also dead. The child and 
the man had both died ; there was nothing further to be 
done. Until to-day, until this miserable morning, I have 
rested happy in the assurance that my Percival, when he 
comes of age, will be one of the greatest men in York- 
shire; that he will own the finest property, and be the 
most looked-up to and respected in the entire country. 
Until I took that terrible drive, and got that fright, and 
lost my self-control, I had not one fear — not one scrap of 
apprehension in the world. But now I do fear. The 
news of the wreck of the Hercules was in every paper 
at the time, but I never came across any account of a 
little child being saved. Why was this fact omitted? 
Why should my cousin, Charles Dyke, tell me such a 
story? He believes in it, too. Why should he, of all 
people, tell me? But then he never knew of the great 
risk Percival would run of not coming into his rightful 
property — for the property is Percival’s — yes, it is ; and 
it shall be his, come what may. Charles loves my boy. 
Who would not who knew him ? ” , 

Lady Margaret rose early that morning. After her 
sleepless night she was glad to be up. She dressed and 
went out. The servants were busy sweeping and dusting 
the great suites of rooms downstairs. They took no no- 
tice whatever of Lady Margaret as she went across the 
hall, down the broad steps of the front entrance, and 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


23 


slowlj disappeared round the avenue. When the lady 
found herself on that bit of causeway which separated 
Piers Island from the mainland, she hurried her foot- 
steps. She was painfully anxious to set her fears at rest. 

She had made up her mind to pay a visit to the church- 
yard. She might find some token there which would 
cause her anxious heart to be forever at peace with regard 
to the girl who had spoken to her yesterday. 

Lady Margaret was a good walker, and soon gained 
the entrance to the churchyard. The little place was 
primitive and old-fashioned. The sleeping dead lay in 
perfect repose in their many graves all around. The 
family vault of the Dykes was here, and the most impos- 
ing object as you entered the churchyard was the figure 
of a colossal angel standing protect ingly over the vault 
with uplifted hands holding a great trumpet to his lips. 

Lady Margaret was the sort of woman who hated 
churchyards. She preferred the newer cemeteries. She 
disliked the idea of worshipping in God’s house with the 
sheeted dead so near. But she had now an object in 
view. It was only ten years since the wreck of the 
Hercules, Those poor folks who had been washed ashore 
must undoubtedly have found burial in this place. There 
might possibly be a clue here — or, what was far better, 
a gratifying absence of clue. She turned in the direction 
where the poorer people had found interment. She saw 
a man wandering about amongst these graves, stooping 
down now and then to pull up a stray weed, or tend with 
a certain care a cherished flower. A glance told Lady 
Margaret that he was not in her class of life. She went 
up to him, and accosted him. 

You know all about these graves ? ” she said. 

’Es, my lady,” said the man, who, happening to be 


24 


OCEAITA’S GIKLHOOD 


the church sexton, knew well that Lady Margaret was 
staying at Piers Island, and had no difficulty in recog- 
nising her. 

Us all knows about the graves, my lady,” he con- 
tinued. Poor folks and grand folks sleep alike here in 
Mother Earth. IVe been sexton in this church for goin^ 
on forty year.” 

Indeed ! That is a long time,” said Lady Margaret. 
Can you tell me anything with regard to an interesting 
event which took place off this coast ten years ago ? ” 

The man drew himself upright, wiped a little of 
Mother Earth from his fingers, and stood looking atten- 
tively at the lady. His face had grown pale with a sort 
of sorrow. He then said in a low tone : Do my lady 

refer to that awful wreck — the wreck of the Hercules? '' 

That is doubtless what I do refer to. The Hercules 
— was that the name of the ship ? ” 

The account was in the newspapers at the time. 
May I make bold to ask if your ladyship had any rela- 
tions on board ? ” 

None,” was the quick reply. Nevertheless, I 
should like to get some particulars with regard to the poor 
passengers. Do you say that all were drowned ? ” 

Only one dear little dinky baby was left, my lady. 
The Barfoot folks — farmers near here — took it out of 
the arms of the brave fellow who lies in yonder grave. 
Us all collected money to put a headstone to he. T1 
child is called Oceana. Her don’t know nothing of h 
true story, my lady. Here’s the grave of the man wl 
rescued her at the cost of his own life. Gentry, and 
farmers, and poor folk all alike, collected enough money 
to put this cross to his memory. It seemed the least that 
we could do, for he was so wonderful and brave, and a 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


25 


man with a very fine presence. It wern’t his fault that 
he were took, poor soul ; and bravely he fought to save 
the dinky babe. Tall, above the average, he were, with 
dark, straight features, and the look of a gentleman. 
Ah ! and he had a gentleman’s heart, too ; and what’s 
more, the heart that God Almighty ’ud love. A turr’ble 
rough road he went to his grave — a turr’ble rough road ; 
hut he never minded, not he — and all for the sake of a 
dinky baby.” 

Lady Margaret Manners showed the old sexton that 
he was making himself too garrulous. 

There be a few more graves, my lady,” he continued, 
which contain the bodies of the half-dozen passengers 
who were washed ashore. It’s an amazing thought that 
so few of they were spared from the sea; the cruel sea 
ate them up, and they were seen no more. The few who 
were washed on the shore were buried here, and here, 
and here ; but there be no headstones. It was only to he 
— that nameless and yet that great one — that we could 
afford to grant the honour.” 

The man hurried away, and Lady Margaret was re- 
lieved by his absence. Wlien she found herself quite 
alone, she turned and looked at the rough granite cross 
which was placed at the head of the grave that the 
sexton had indicated. The following very brief inscrip- 
tion was engraved in leaden characters on the cross: — 

TO A STRANGER, NAME UNKNOWN, 

Who perished in the wreck of the Hercules/* 
November l^th, 1890, giving up his life 
For the sake of another. 


Greater Love Hath no Man Than This.” 


26 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


Lady Margaret felt a luin(p rising in her throat. 
There was simplicity about the few words. The gallant 
deed was recognised, and it appealed just for the minute 
to something really fine and heroic in her own nature. 
She was not interested in the other graves, and she felt 
a keen sense of relief that not the slightest clue could he 
gathered here with regard to that strange man’s name 
or belongings. 

The lady was just intending to return to Piers Island, 
when she heard an eager, breathless sound, and turning, 
saw the tall, slight girl who had excited her fears and her 
admiration on the previous day. The girl was standing 
directly in her path. 


CHAPTER IV. 


Oceana’s long, very black hair was blown back from 
her face bj the wind. Her eyes were bluer even than 
they appeared on the previous day; but her little face 
had lost its soft, delicate colour. It was very white, and 
there were traces of grief on it. On the previous day it 
seemed to Lady Margaret that the girl’s face personified 
the very essence of joy. 

The girl began to talk at once eagerly and without 
the slightest embarrassment. 

This is the stranger’s grave, my lady,” she said. 

Mammy mine and I often bring flowers and lay them 
here. Mammy says that we ought to be kind to a lonely 
stranger.” 

Even though he is dead ? ” said Lady Margaret. 

Does your mammy, as you call her, go as far as that ? ” 

And why not ? ” replied Oceana. ’Tis such an 
amazing thought, I can’t even grasp it yet — ’twill take 
years, I think, even to guess the goodness of my 
mammy’s heart; and besides, he han’t really dead; he 
can look down at us from the blue skies — so my dear 
mammy tells me.” 

You understand, perhaps, the story of this stranger, 
do you ? ” asked Lady Margaret. 

Ko, that I don’t,” replied Oceana quickly, neither 
me nor ” 

She stopped, her heart beat rapidly, she felt herself 
turning giddy. 

27 


28 


OCEAi^A’S GIRLHOOD 


I forgot — when I spoke to one like you,” she said. 
“ I don’t want to talk to you. You’re of the fine folk, 
who bring trouble. I am troubled ; I am lonesome — ^yes, 
that is it — I am lonesome — sore and lonesome ! ” 

She turned to go. Lady Margaret called her back. 

“ Little girl,” she said, I wish to speak to you.” 

Eh, but it’s close on breakfast time,” said Oceana. 

I want to eat, and I want to think, and I want to 
feel. I’ve a whole twelve hours left to do the thinking 
and the feeling — I’ve been out all night. There’s a 
cave along there.” Sbe pointed with her slender finger. 

It’s above high-water mark, and I sit in the cave 
times and again when I am either too happy or — or mis- 
erable, as I am now; and always — always, I look out at 
the sea. Mammy calls me her ^ bower ly ’ maid ; but 
I — lady, you’ve brought me trouble, and I can’t tell you 
naught about it. You’re a beautiful wonder of a woman; 
but all the same, you’ve brought me trouble, and it was 
on account of you I spent last night all alone in the cave. 
Mammy hasn’t missed me yet ; but her will at breakfast 
time. I must be leaving you, lady.” 

Lady Margaret stretched out her hand and took that 
of the girl. 

“ Sir Charles Dyke has told me your story,” she said. 

There is no possible reason why I should not speak 
to you on the subject.” 

Hay, there’s every reason, for I won’t listen,” re- 
plied Oceana. 

She tugged her hand hard, trying to free it from Lady 
Margaret’s grasp. 

^‘You must not be silly, little girl. What Sir 
Charles Dyke knows, and what your kind foster-parents 
know, everyone else must know. You were rescued 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


29 


from the sea at the time the Hercules was wrecked, and 
the man whose bones lie here ” — she pointed towards 
the grave — “ was the stranger who saved your life.” 

Oceana^s blue eyes grew very wide. Their black 
pupils dilated. A sudden fear, and yet a queer sense 
j of rejoicing, seemed to mingle in her breast. She looked 
at the inscription on the granite cross. 

‘ He gave up his life for another ! ’ ” she said slowly. 
‘‘Was I that other ? ” Before Lady Margaret could 
reply, she looked full into her face and said defiantly, 
“ Whatever be the meaning of this, it’s naught to you ! ” 

“ It is certainly nothing to me — ^nothing whatsoever ; 
and yet I should like to help you, just because that man 
who lies buried here was so very kind — for, of course, 
you were the one he saved — and your father, as you 
call him, and your mammy, as you call her, have 
been also so kind, I wish to share in this universal kind- 
ness.” 

Oceana looked down at her roughly-shod feet, then at 
her slender hands which were rough from want of care. 
The next minute she swept her black hair in a great 
coil round her neck, and, looking at the lady, said : 

“ I am old enough to go as a little maid to someone 
if my mammy so wishes. I need not be beholden to 
you for any sort of kindness.” 

“ I will come to the Farm to-day,” said the lady, 
“ and speak to your foster-mother.” 

“ Mayhap her won’t want to see you.” 

“ I am sure she will see me. She is different from 
you. She must be a very unselfish woman to have de- 
voted so much time to you. She has brought you up 
with her own children since you were little more than 
a baby. You owe her and her husband a great deal. 


30 


OOEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


I can put it into your power to return their kindness. 
Have you never thought — ^never, since you knew your 
story — that you owe them much; that you ought, in a 
measure, to devote your life to them ? ” 

Eh ! ” replied Oceana ; but IVe only known my 
lonesome story since last night — only since last night, 
late, did I know that I belonged to him, and to him 
alone; and he is dead.” 

Poor child ! If that is the case, you have scarcely 
had time to think. I intend to visit Mrs. Barfoot this 
morning. Tell her that I met you, and that I spoke 
to you, and am coming to see her.” 

Very well,” replied Oceana. “ It would he right 
in me to help them, and I thank you, lady, for putting 
the thought in my breast ; but you yourself can do noth- 
ing.” 

The girl walked away without so much as saying 
good-morning. Lady Margaret, tired and much ex- 
cited, went back to Piers Island. She had suffered a 
great deal yesterday. Last night she had endeavoured 
hard to cast aside her fear; but now that fear was 
changed into certainty. The girl, the blue in the girl’s 
eyes, her age, the description which the old sexton had 
given of the stranger, turned doubt into fact. The girl 
who was known in the village as Oceana Barfoot bore 
in reality a very different name. 

“ I cannot hide from myself that she is the missing 
child,” thought Lady Margaret. She walked very fast 
as this thought took possession of her mind. And I 
promised my dearest husband to have justice done to 
her — ^to see myself that her rightful property was re- 
stored to her. I promised — I promised — a dying man. 
I will do much for her — ^yes, I will do all that can 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


31 


reasonably be expected, and the proud little mite shall 
accept my gift. I think I can manage that. But all 
— all! I cannot possibly give her all. Her true name 
shall never be revealed to her, never, never, never, if I 
can prevent it. Percival’s great property shall never 
pass into her hands.” 

When Oceana joined the rest of the group at break- 
fast that day, Mrs. Barfoot pushed Nessie, the bigger 
twin, a little further from her, and made room for 
the foster child to take Nessie’s place. Nessie began to 
whimper. 

Hush now, my darling, do,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Eh, now, my beauteous maid, don’t fret. Here now, 
Oceana, she shall sit by you. Take Nessie’s hand, 
Oceana, and give your sister a bowerly kiss.” 

Nessie would have wept hard if either of her real 
sisters had occupied Oceana’s place. She did not, 
however, mind the blue-eyed girl doing so. At that 
moment Barfoot looked up from his place at the foot 
of the table with a frown between his brows. Oceana 
met his eye. The girl’s eyes said to him, ‘‘ You know 
the truth.” The man’s eyes retorted angrily, “ Well, 
and that’s no fault of mine.” 

Meanwhile, the elder children made haste to prepare 
for school. 

Oceana said quickly, I’m not going to school to- 
day.” 

Ted raised an indignant protest, but Oceana walked 
out of the room. 

Leave her alone, Ted, do,” said his mother. 

But why han’t she going ? ” asked Elossie. 

Her han’t well,” said the mother ; that is the 
reason.” 


32 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


“ You^re always favouring of she, mother,” said 
Ted. 

DonT bring up to me the way I choose to act to 
you all,” said Mrs. Barfoot. Go on now, as quick as 
you can, you three.” 

They moved sulkily towards the door. When they 
had gone, Barfoot said, So you told her, Mary ? ” 

I did ; and I never had a sorer bit of work.” 

“ How did her take it ? ” 

Terrible,” replied the wife. Her nearly scared 
me. Her cried out that her was lonesome — lone- 
some; but TwasnT her words, Twas the look in her 
eyes.” 

Her’ll get used to it,” said Barfoot. “ ’Tis as well 
she should know; for you won’t be fretting any longer 
at keeping back the truth from her, and us’ll act fair 
by her, that us will, for sure.” 

How, that her knows,” said Mrs. Barfoot, us 
ought to act fair — fairer than ever, Luke. Us ought to 
bring her up in her own class of life.” 

“ My word ! what next ? ” said the farmer. 

“ ’Tis right, and I say it,” continued Mrs. Barfoot. 

When Oceana thought herself a farm girl, her could 
live as one; but now she knows she’s a lady, it’ll hurt 
her not to belong to her own class.” 

You told her all that folly ? ” 

didn’t tell her; I left it out. But I’ll tell her 
presently. If her knows so much, her may as well know 
all.” 

Well, I can’t afford to give her better than I give 
my own,” said the farmer, and he stalked out of tha 
kitchen. 

A minute or two later Oceana entered. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


33 


“ I’m going out, mammy,” she said. She did not 
attempt to kiss Mrs. Barfoot, as was her usual custom. 

I’ll be back to-night.” 

But you’ve been out already, my darling.” 

Oceana smiled. 

’Es,” she said, and I met that fine woman once 
again.” 

What ? The lady who’s staying at Piers Island ? ” 

I don’t care where she’s staying,” said Oceana. 
“ Her said horrid, rude things, and she hurt me — she 
hurt me much ! She showed me the grave of him who 
saved my life — the stranger who is dead, who saved 
the stranger who’s living. I know now why you wished 
me to put the first buttercups and the first Lenten roses 
on his grave every spring.” 

It seemed somehow that you ought,” said Mrs. 
Barfoot. 

Of course I ought, and I done it,” replied the girl. 

Now I’m off, but I’ll be back to-night. Oh, she says 
— that fine woman — that she’s coming to see you, 
mammy.” 

Who’s coming to see me, child ? ” 

Lady Margaret Manners. Don’t you be nice to her, 
mammy. Her don’t suit me a bit.” 

Oceana disappeared, and Mrs. Barfoot with a pro- 
found sigh resumed her usual morning vocation. She 
had just, as she expressed it, redd up ” the hearth in 
the kitchen, when she heard the sound of horses’ steps 
in the lane outside, and a minute later there came a 
knock to the front door. Mrs. Barfoot went herself to 
open it. 

A stately and handsome woman confronted her. The 
lady looked full into the kind eyes of the farmer’s wife, 
3 


34 


OCEAJ^A’S GIKLHOOD 


I 


You are Mrs. Barfoot ? ” she said, smiling as she 
spoke. 

That is my name, madam.” 

And my name is Lady Margaret Manners. 
have come to talk to you.” | 

Yes, my lady.” 

About the child with the blue eyes, 
calls herself.” 

With a very quick movement Mrs. Barfoot pressed 
her hand to her side. 

Eh ! ” she said, Eh ! Arter all these long years,^ 


Oceana 


she ; 

l 


be you going to give us a clue to what she really be ? ” f 


I cannot give you any clue. Nevertheless I am at-si 
tracted by the child, and by her story. It is really^j 
almost as pretty as a fairy tale. Ah, is this your hus- 
band, Mrs. Barfoot ? ” 

Yes, my lady, this is my husband, Luke Barfoot. 
Luke, this lady has come from Piers Island, and her 
name is Lady Margaret Manners. She wishes to tall 
to us about Oceana.” 

Oceana’s all right,” said the man, speaking in al 
scowling way and looking with ill favour at Lady Mar-_ 
garet. But Lady Margaret responded eagerly : |j 

I want to talk to you both. Will you take me into 
one of your rooms for a few minutes ? ” | 

There was something in her tone which made the 
farmer’s expression alter to one puzzled and expectant! 
He was, on the whole, interested; but Mrs. Barfoot’^ 
ruddy face, on the contrary, looked troubled. 

I have come here ” said Lady Margaret. 


\ 


What a truly delightful apartment this is,” she broke 
out, as she glanced round the roomy old kitchen. I 
have come here to make you both, you dear, kind,* 


1 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 35 

generous people — an offer with regard to the girl, 
Oceana ” 

To be frank with you, my lady,” interrupted Mrs. 
Barfoot, looking anxiously at her husband, neither 
Barfoot nor me can listen to any offer. The child was 
gived to me by a brave man who died to save her.” 

“ I saw the stranger’s grave in the churchyard this 
morning,” said Lady Margaret. 

Ah, then,” said the farmer, your ladyship knows 
everything ? ” 

“ I know what little there is to know. I know of your 
extreme kindness to a desolate orphan — a child un- 
known and penniless. I cannot sufficiently express my 
admiration of you both.” 

‘‘ We done what we done, willing,” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot, “ and we don’t need no praise. It goes agin the 
grain, seeing as we love Oceana.” 

‘‘ Ay, that’s true,” said the farmer ; we both of us 
love the bowerly maid well.” 

Nevertheless,” continued Lady Margaret, the 
time has come for others to help you.” 

They can’t, for us won’t let ’em ! ” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot angrily. 

Hush, Mary,” said her husband. “ Let’s listen 
reasonable-like to what her ladyship has to tell.” 

I have simply to say this. I don’t in any sense 
wish to take the girl from you, she is yours. If ever 
the sea could give a right to anyone, the sea gave her 
to you. But you must admit that she is a pretty, nay, 
a very beautiful young creature. She will need educa- 
tion ; and the village school is not sufficient.” 

The village school does for mine, and it’ll do for 
her,” said the farmer. 


36 


OCEAITA^S GIELHOOD 


I cannot agree with you, there, Farmer Barfoot, 
for remember, there is always the possibility — Lady 
Margaret^s voice shook. I don^t say it is likely, I 
think it most unlikely; but there is always the vague 
possibility that the child^s name and true position in life 
may be discovered. 

Eh ? ” said Mrs. Barfoot. “ He did say, poor man, 
when he was struggling with death in his throat — he 
did say that her, the beautiful fair one, was of high 
birth, and was also a great heiress. How well I do 
mind his words and the look of agony on the face of 
he, and the way in which he strove and strove to say 
the child’s name. But Death gripped him hard, 
and he had to go before the words could pass his lips. 
^ She is a child of the Sea.’ Those were his last 
words.” 

“ I should imagine — but of course, I may be wrong 
— that the poor brave fellow was wandering in his 
mind,” said Lady Margaret. 

And that’s what I’m always telling the wife, your 
ladyship,” interrupted the farmer. 

‘^Ho, but he wern’t,” said Mrs. Barfoot. ^^Him 
knew well what he were saying — there was no dream 
about it. You always read truth, whatever else you 
don’t read, in the faces and the words of the dying. 
There’s a great property waiting somewhere for our 
little beautiful dear, and there’s a name bigger than we 
can give her which her ought to have — not that her’ll 
ever have it. Her’ll be none the worse for living on 
with the humble folk who love her.” 

Do let’s listen to what her ladyship means to do,” 
said Barfoot. Bemember, Mary, it was but an hour 
back you grumbled to me that Oceana wasn’t being ed- 


OCEA^^^A’S GIELHOOD 37 

dicated to suit her station in life. Now maybe this is 
the very offer her ladyship means to make.” 

It is,” said Lady Margaret. How very clever of 
you to guess, Farmer Barfoot. I am interested in the 
girl. She was polite to me yesterday when — I must 
tell you — ^your children were rude. I took a fancy to 
her appearance. When I heard her story, I took a still 
greater fancy to her. I am a rich woman, and I want 
to give the girl a really good education. Lady Dyke 
shall choose a school for her. The school hills will be 
my affair. I will undertake all expenses, but I shall not 
see the child. She will belong to you. She is thirteen 
years of age, is she not ? ” 

Yes, my lady. ^Tis wonnerful, your ladyship, how 
you’ve took up all the facts with regard to our 
Oceana.” 

I will educate her myself in the best possible way 
until she is nineteen years of age,” replied Lady Marga- 
ret. She rose as she spoke. Do you accept my offer ? ” 
Most certain sure we do, my lady, and right hand- 
some us think it,” said Farmer Barfoot. 

“ But I mind to remark that perhaps Oceana won’t 
like it herself,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

You don’t mean to tell me that you will consult 
an ignorant child about her own future, Mrs. Bar- 
foot?” 

Mrs. Barfoot coloured, and was silent. After a 
moment’s pause Lady Margaret said : Have you by 
chance any sort of relics — any clothes that the little 
one wore when the sea washed her into your kind 
arms ? ” 

Mrs. Barfoot was about to say that she had none, but 
Barfoot interposed. 


38 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


Be mannerly, Mary, and speak truth. ’Tisn’t like 
you to be so ill-natured to a kind lady. Oceana corned 
to we, my lady, with nothing on her hut a little bit of 
a shift. ’Tis wonderful how she stood the cold. The 
wife has kept the little shift — that I know for sar- 
tain.” 

I should like to see it,” said Lady Margaret. 

In that case, perhaps your ladyship will come up- 
stairs with me,” said Mrs. Barfoot, proudly. 

She led the great lady up the low oaken stairs, entered 
her cheerful nursery, and unlocking a bureau, took out 
the tiny shirt that was stained by the sea waves. Lady 
Margaret took it for a minute in her cold hand. She 
read the initials L. E. E. then she said : This is a 
very pretty relic. I will buy it from you. It is full 
of story, is it not? and I am fond of things — things — 
of this sort, with histories attached.” Her lips trem- 
bled. I will give you, Mrs. Barfoot, ten pounds for 
this little sea-stained shirt.” 

And I wouldn’t part with it for thirty pounds,” 
was Mrs. Barfoot’s response. 

She folded the little garment hastily, replaced it in 
the tiny box where she always kept it, and locked the 
bureau. 

You are a fine great lady,” she said, turning to 
Lady Margaret, ^^but I don’t give the child nor the 
child’s belongings to anyone who can’t prove her to be o" 
high birth, and a great heiress. All the world ma 
stand and clamour for she, but only the one who prove: 
who she be shall really get her; and her little shirt 
is the one clue we’ve got. Her real name han’t 
Oceana, but some words that begin with the initials 
L. E. E.” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


39 


I can quite understand your feeling,” said Lady 
Margaret. 

“ To be outspoken with your ladyship, I doubts if you 
can. Us’ 11 let you know in a day or two about accept- 
ing your offer.” 

Lady Margaret smiled. Her smile was cold and 
frosty. She went downstairs. Mrs. Barfoot opened 
the door for her, and she went out. But as she was 
about to step into the low pony-carriage which had 
brought her from Piers Island, Barfoot himself came up 
and began to talk eagerly. 

Mrs. Barfoot watched the pair, the frown of pain 
and sorrow growing deeper on her comely face. 


CHAPTER V 


Oceana lay in her little bed under the eaves of the 
old attic. The moonlight was streaming in through 
the tiny window. It fell across the bed and over the 
child’s face, making it look white, and intensifying 
the colour in her eyes and the darkness of her thick 
hair. 

She had gone through a great deal and was tired. 
She was drowsy, she wished to sleep, and yet she could 
not quite drop off into repose. One or twice her eye- 
lids closed, then opened wide again with a start. 

A sudden sound on the stairs caused her to sit up. Her 
heart began to throb violently. The stairs which led 
to her tiny bedroom were her own special private 
stairs. They were in reality little better than a short 
step-ladder. The footsteps that now crept up and up 
were heavy and yet soft. 

It’s mammy,” murmured Oceana. 

The next moment the latch of the door was lifted, 
and the old oak door itself flung wide. Mrs. Barfoot 
entered, a lighted candle held high in her hand. 

Put out the light, do, mammy,” said Oceana, 

There’s a beautiful moon, and I can bear things best 
by moonlight. You’ve come to tell me — ^to tell me — ^ — ” 
Her lips quivered, her eyes filled with tears. 

Mrs. Barfoot sank heavily down on the side of the 
bed. She put out her plump hand, and took one of 
Oceana’s in its warm grasp. 

40 


OCEAI^A’S GIKLHOOD 


41 


And whj for not ? she said. There ban^t no 
trouble — no real trouble that I know of, my honey sweet. 
What be you grizzlin’ at, my darling dear? Barfoot 
and me, we say both of us, and us is ready to declare 
it before all the wide world, that we’ll never give you 
tip — ^never, never. You be own darter to us, that you 
be.” 

Oh, mammy — mammy mine 1 ” gasped the girl. 
She began to weep. 

“ Unless,” continued Mrs. Barfoot — Oceana stopped 
crying, her heart grew cold — unless,” said the farmer’s 
wife, “ something altogether too wonderful should hap. 
It’s never like to take place, but then again it may, and 
you, knowing so much, pretty one, should know all, my 
bowerly maid. What d’you suppose I said to myself 
when I seed you first ? ” 

Oh, mammy ! what ? Mammy, you have such a 
comforting voice.” 

I said these words. ^ There never, surely, was 
anybody with so sweet a face as the little beauteous dear 
that was left with me to cherish.’ ” 

Mammy — mammy ! And you loved me from the 
very first ? ” 

The minute I set eyes on you there was fire burn- 
ing in my heart, and it was burning for you. Loving 
and merciful I felt to you — loving and merciful, and 
blessing God for His great goodness in giving me my 
Blue Eyes. Nevertheless I must tell my darling the 
truth. The big man who brought you ashore — and hard 
he struggled with the battering waves and you fastened 
on to his back — he said to me, as I bent over him, that 
the child — that was you, my maid — he said the child 
was of high birth and was also a great heiress. He 


42 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOI) 


wanted me to do for you what he’d ha’ done if it had 
been the will of the Almighty to spare his life. But 
death was too swift — death was standing by his side 
and carried him away before he could tell your real 
name.” 

Oh, mammy,” said Oceana, wasn’t it just lucky 
that death did that ? ” 

“ Then you don’t mind a bit, Oceana, giving up 
your high birth and your great wealtih, and belonging to 
us humble folk ? ” 

I told you so, mammy mine, and I tell you so 
now again. There han’t a happier maid in the place 
than me, and that’s ’cause I am yourn and you are 
mine.” 

Well, my best love, I am of the same way of think- 
ing myself, and I set love — the love I have in my heart 
for you — above riches and above high birth, ’cause love 
comes straight from God A’mighty. Nevertheless, you 
must jest know every single thing. There’ll always 
be the shade of a possibility bangin’ over you, and it is 
this, Oceana mine. A day may come when those to 
whom you really belong will find you out, and they’ll 
take the beauteous name of Oceana from you and give 
you your real name, the name that the three letters 
stand for on the little sea-stained shirt.” 

Then I hope they’ll never come, mammy, for I don’t 
want any name but the one you has gived me.” 

“ I’ve something else to say to you, Oceana. I have 
something two-fold to say, and when I’ve had my talk 
you nestle down and go off to sleep. There, there, 
child, stop crying, do.” 

It eases me to cry,” said Oceana. “ But go on, 
mammy, I’m listenin’ all the same.” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


43 


Well,” said Mrs. Barfoot, it’s this way. Your 
fayther and me, we’ve solemnly swore that we’ll never 
give you up to anybody, never, until that person comes 
along who can call you by your tightful name and put 
you into your vast property.” 

That’s all right — that’s like you and my fayther. 
That’s beautiful and comforting.” 

But,” said Mrs. Barfoot, “ there’s another side to 
it. Your real name may never be discovered, never. 
Who your real mother was may never be known, and 
who your real fayther were may not be revealed until 
the day when all secrets are laid bare. On the other 
hand, the truth may come out about you, my maid, my 
darling. Now that being so, your fayther and me, we 
want you to be well eddicated.” 

I’ll attend to my books better than I done,” said 
Oceana. I’ll do anything in all the world to please 
both of you.” 

’Tisn’t only that, my honey sweet — it’s more, much 
more. We are humble folk, but we are just. You are 
thirteen years of age, and we mun do our duty by you. 
You must larn a bit more than you could larn at Board 
school. It’s this way, Oceana. I must make smart 
clothes for my darling, and send her to a good board- 
ing school where she’ll larn how to play the planner and 
be Frenchified and Germanified, and be able to hold her 
own wi’ the best in the land.” 

You mean to send me from you ! ” 

For part of the year, sweet darling ; you’ll always 
come back to we for the holidays. Your fayther says 
it’s right and just. He has made up his mind, and he’s 
a man who never changes. You are to go in a fort- 
night from now, my own sweet — in one fortnight. Why, 


44 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


you’ll come back so grand, and so lamed, that you’ll be 
able to teach we jest no end of things.” 

And then ? ” said Oceana. She had raised her- 
self to a sitting position in bed, and she bent forward 
now, and looked earnestly into the face of her foster- 
mother. When the schooldays come to an end, mammy 
mine, and I have quite growed up ? ” 

Oh, that’s a long way ahead ; but maybe — mayhap 
— youll come back and live with mammy, and help I 
in no end of ways; and you’ll be able to teach your 
sisters the fine things you know yourself. I tell you 
what I’ll be doing, Oceana — and it’ll be for you, my 
blue-eyed darling — I’ll be putting by from this blessed 
minute some of the money I make by selling the fowls 
in order to save enough to buy a second-hand pianner 
for you, so that you can play tunes to we. I will, now, 
I will. There’s a notion for you ! ” 

I could make music,” said Oceana — she gazed out 
into the moonlight — ^'there’s some music I’d like to 
make. I hear it when I sit in the sea cave. You know 
the cave I mean, mammy — the cave I found above the 
tide. I call it after me. I spent most of to-day there. 
It’s Oceana’s Cave. W^hen I am there I listen to real 
music. What I like about my music is that it comes 
with a booming on the shore. I hear it afar off, and 
It gets nearer and nearer, and it fills my heart, and my 
lungs, and my throat, and I have to cry out to it; for 
all the time it is struggling to get to me. Shall I make 
music of that sort, mammy, on the second-hand piano 
that you’ll buy with the fowls’ money ? ” 

Lord save us — I hope not, my maid ! ” 

I don’t like tinkling airs ; do you, mammy mine ? ” 
Well now, my beautiful, I adore ’em. I’d go miles 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


45 


any day to hear a barr’l-organ, more particular when 
it has a fresh air on it slap down from the music-halls 
in London. Your fayther and me, we’d adore to hear 
you making that sort of music on the pianner.” 

Oceana did not pursue the subject, but she asked a 
practical question : Who is to pay for all this ? ” 

You leave that to your fayther and me.” 

No, I won’t,” said the girl. Her whole manner 
changed. She sprang suddenly out of bed, and stood in 
her little white nightdress before Mrs. Barfoot. 

“ ’Tisn’t you who’s going to do it ; ’tisn’t you who’d 
spoil me into a fine lady if you had your way; it’s that 
woman who called to-day. It’s her money that’s going to 
be spent on me ; and I won’t have it. Manuny, I say, I 
won’t have it. You tell her so. Tell her that I hate 
her, and her grand ways, and her coal-black eyes, and 
her fierce, strong, cruel hands. They clutched at one 
of mine to-day, and wouldn’t let me go. Tell her I’d 
a sight rayther stop schooling now and come right away 
home to my mammy mine, and do work in the house 
with you. Listen, mammy ; you might send Lizzie 
away, and I’d look after the twins. I’d eat less than 
I do now, and I’d work — oh, so very hard; only do 
let me stay with you. I don’t want to be eddicated, 
nor to play the tinkling piano. I want to live with you, 
and be close to the great, grand sea, and the sea cave, 
and the music of the waves ; and I’d work, oh ! so hard 
for you. Promise — promise that you won’t send your 
child away. I don’t want to be a great lady, mammy, 
nor to have a big fortune. What I’d like would be just 
always to be Oceana, Child of the Sea, and the 
Stranger’s Child, mammy mine.” 


CHAPTER VI 


But the will of one little girl, however determined, 
is no match at all when pitted against that of a strong- 
minded woman of the world like Lady Margaret Man- 
ners. She felt that she must ease her conscience in 
some way, and to send Oceana to a good school, and do 
the best she could for her with regard to her education, 
and afterwards provide for her in life, was surely a sort 
of middle path between her faithful promise to her 
dying husband and her firm resolve now to break that 
promise. She would never despoil her own child for the 
sake of another; but from afar she would watch that 
other, and do what she could up to a certain point for 
the young life. 

Her task was one of great difficulty, for she dared 
not give her real reason for the interest she took in 
Oceana. When she had explained as much of the posi- 
tion as she dared to Sir Charles Dyke and his wife, 
it seemed to her that she read suspicion in the baronet^s 
kind eyes. Both he and his wife, however, cordially 
approved of the scheme, and were glad that the Barfoots 
* had consented to have pretty, wilful Oceana properly 
educated. They, meanwhile, would do everything in 
their power to oblige Lady Margaret in the matter. 
They would select the most suitable school, and Lady 
Dyke would herself provide the child with the necessary 
wardrobe. 

On hearing these words, Lady Margaret went up- 

46 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 47 

stairs to her bedroom. She returned in a few minutes 
and put a cheque into Sir Charles’s hand. 

This is for five hundred pounds,” she said. ‘‘ Put 
it into jour bank, and spend it as you think best on that 
little blue-ejed girl, Oceana. When it is all used up, 
apply to me for a further sum.” 

Really, Margaret, you’re doing a very handsome 
thing,” said Lady Dyke. “ There are few women living 
with such generous impulses.” 

But Sir Charles said no word of praise. He gravely 
folded up the cheque, and then went to his bureau, and 
produced a receipt for the sum of money he had just 
received. 

I mean to take Margaret to Dresden in order to 
give her every musical advantage. She will go to a 
day-school, but her evenings and early mornings will 
be spent with me. We shall go a good deal to the 
opera, too. You know, of course, Charles, what the 
opera is like at Dresden.” 

Then perhaps you would let us entertain Percival 
at Christmas ? ” said Lady Dyke. 

He would be most welcome,” said Sir Charles. 

Lady Margaret looked anxiously at them both. Sir 
Charles was watching her face. She caught his keen 
eye, and found herself colouring. 

It would certainly be a good arrangement,” she said. 

Percival is the sort of boy who much prefers to hunt 
and shoot here than any pleasures I could offer him in 
a German town.” 

Very well; we will arrange it so,” said Lady Dyke. 

The next day Lady Margaret went away, and in 
course of time a sorrowful little girl, feeling stiff and 
prim and miserable in the clothes provided for her by 


48 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


Lady Dyke, was taken by Barfoot to the nearest rail- 
way station. There, under care of the guard, she was 
despatched as a first-class passenger, in reality feeling 
like a lost waif, to the fine city of Bath. 

Lady Dyke happened to know a very good establish- 
ment for the education of young ladies in that home of 
ancient greatness. Oceana entered her new life as mis- 
erable and wild as girl could be, but she came back at 
Christmas with rosy cheeks, eyes as blue as ever, and 
a healthy, passionate desire to hug mammy mine,’’ 
and to give presents to her foster brothers and sisters. 
She was full of new ideas, but she had not discarded 
any of her wildness, her free, obstinate nature. One 
of her first acts was to retire to her attic. There she 
hastily divested herself of her stiff school frock, and, 
putting on the one she had worn when she met Lady 
Margaret, came down to join the others, looking like 
the Oceana of old. 

Those Christmas holidays were to remain always in 
the girl’s memory as a sort of landmark, for it was dur- 
ing these holidays that she first met Percival Manners. 
She was standing in the entrance of her sea cave, when 
he passed by on the shore. Oceana’s custom with regard 
to this cave was peculiar. She never invited any of 
the Barfoots to share its seclusion with her. She played 
games here which she did not dare indulge in elsewhere. 
On this occasion she had let down her thick black hair 
and twined long wreaths of golden brown seaweed round 
her brow. In both her hands she held long strands of 
the same. She was twisting these strands into a garland 
to fasten round her waist. Her eyes were as blue as 
the sea, and there was a healthy, animated colour in 
her young cheeks. She was playing the part which 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


49 


of all others delighted her. She liked best in all the 
world to imagine herself a sea nymph. She had an 
idea that, having been saved from the sea the sea could 
never drown her. She longed to swim, to toss about 
in the waves, to feel herself part and parcel of the foam, 
but swimming had been strictly forbidden by Mrs. Bar- 
foot. It was one of the few restrictions put upon 
Oceana by that good woman, for her feelings with re- 
gard to the sea were the very reverse of the child’s own. 
She thought that the sea had a fierce enmity to some 
little children, and although she allowed her own hearty 
children to bathe and swim, she forbade this pastime 
to the girl who loved the waves as though they belonged 
to her. 

Standing now by the entrance of the cave, Oceana 
began to sing a wild song which was more of a croon 
than a song. It had a wailing sound in it, and yet it 
was full of music and melody. 

A tall youth, some years her senior, turned his head 
at the curious sound, encountered the girl’s blue-eyed 
gaze, laid down the gun he was carrying, and came 
slowly, with a curious, wondering expression in his face, 
close to the mouth of the cave. 

Oh, you are a girl after all,” he said, as he glanced 
down at her feet and observed no symptom of a tail. 

** Did you think I was not ? ” asked Oceana. 

^^How could I tell?” 

I wish I wasn’t a girl,” said Oceana. I should 
like to have a tail like a mermaid and live in the 
sea.” 

I wish you were a mermaid ; it would be fun.” 

Well, I’m not,” said the girl. 

The boy came nearer, 

4 


60 


OCEAISTA^S GIELHOOD 


“ Are there a lot of you here, or are you all by your- 
self ? he asked. 

Of course I am by myself ; this is my special cave. 
It is called Oceana’s Cave.” 

The boy’s face lit up. 

Why,” he cried, hovr stupid of me never to have 
thought of it ! You are Oceana herself, the blue-eyed 
girl ; yes, of course you are. I never saw such blue eyes. 
You are the girl who was saved from the sea on this 
horrible coast many years ago.” 

“ Yes,” said Oceana, I am the girl.” 

How strange ! ” remarked the boy. 

Who told you about me ? ” 

My godfather. Sir Charles Dyke.” 

I wish Sir Charles Dyke was without a tongue.” 

Why so ? What an unkind thing to say ! ” 

He did me a serious mischief once — very serious.” 

I can’t believe that anyone so kind would do mis- 
chief to another.” 

Well, he did, anyhow. What is your name, boy ? ” 

My name is Percival Manners.” 

You are the son of Lady Margaret Manners ? 

Yes.” 

Very well.” The blue eyes flashed a blue fire. I 
hate you, boy ; go ! I don’t want to speak to you again. 
Go this minute! This is my cave. Take up your gun 
and go.” 

The boy, a lad eighteen years of age, looked full into 
the girl’s angry and yet beautiful face. 

What in the world do you mean ? ” he asked. 

If you go quickly and at once I won’t say, but if 
you don’t, I — I will tell you, and then you’ll be hurt 
for all your life.” 


OCEAKA’S GIKLHOOD 


61 


“ If you think I^m going to be afraid of you, you are 
vastly mistaken.” 

“ I don^t want you to fear me ; I want you to go, 
and to go at once. You belong to ” 

Oh, come, that^s nonsense,” said Percival ; “ I am 
a gentleman, and I thought, until now, that you were a 
lady.” 

“ And that is just what 1^11 never be,” said Oceana. 

I wouldn’t belong to the fine folk for all God’s crea- 
tion. Give me freedom, give me freedom, say I. How 
go — go, boy, or I’ll do something that’ll hurt you all the 
days of your life.” 

The lad coloured. 

You are very rude,” he said ; then he added, a little 
stiffly, “ Of course, I will obey your orders.” 

He left the entrance of the cave, took up his gun, and 
went away. Oceana shook every fragment of seaweed 
from her dress, arranged her hair tidily, put on her 
hat, and walked home. 

When she reached the big, warm kitchen, she found 
Mrs. Barfoot making hot cakes for tea. 

You’m twice the girl you ever were,” said Mrs. 
Barfoot, and I thought you’d like these to eat along 
with your tea, my honey sweet.” 

Oh, mammy, there are no cakes like yourn in all 
the world.” 

There, I like ’e to be a Devonshire maid, whatever 
you may he in the future.” 

Mammy, I never want to go back to school.” 

Eh, but we won’t think of school to-night,” said 
Mrs. Barfoot. 

Ho more we will,” said the girl, gleefully. We’ll 
have a lot of cakes for tea, won’t we, mammy ? ” 


52 


OOEAKA’S GIBLHOOD 


Yes, that us will. The children are always keen 
for hot cakes — buttered hot, and salted just to taste ; and 
there’s a fresh comb of honey that I’ve put into the big 
glass dish. ’E might help to lay the tea-table, if ’e’ve a 
mind, Oceana.” 

Oceana, whistling like a boy, did as she was asked. 
Suddenly she stopped. 

I gave him a spice of my mind a while back.” 

Lord save us, child ! What do ’e mean ? ” 

I was in Oceana’s Cave, and I saw Percival Man- 
ners. He corned along with his gun. I said what I 
thought of he, and what I thought of she. I won’t be 
troubled by he no more. How, mammy, don’t look so 
anxious. I’ll always be your own, own Oceana, and I’ll 
never belong to nobody else.” 


CHAPTEE VII 


Mrs. Barfoot, who had been happily employed pre- 
paring a delicious tea for her family, was so startled by 
Oceana’s words, that she dropped her flour-covered hands 
to her sides and stared at the girl. 

You don’t mean to tell I that you was rude — you 
— rude — to the son of Lady Margaret Manners ? ” 

I loved it,” said Oceana, gleefully. He was fine 
folk, and I hate fine folk. He asked me a sight of 
questions, and at first I was civil enough. He thought 
I was p’raps a mermaid — for you see, mammy, I had 
wound the brown sea- weed round my hair and let my 
black hair down till it fell almost to my knees, and 
I was twisting a garland of sea-weed for my waist, and 
wishing all the time that I was a mermaid in sober 
earnest.” 

But, my beauteous dear, you musn’t do queer 
things of that sort — ^talking to strange lads, and being 
rude to them, and making up as though you were a 
fish.” 

A mermaid isn’t a fish, mammy mine. She’s a 
beautiful sea creature. Oh, I long to be one, and I wish 
I could make you one too, and draw you down with me 
into the sea waves at the bottom of the ocean.” 

The girl went on her knees, wrapt her slender arms 

5a 


54 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


round her foster-mother’s waist, and looked up into her 
eyes. The woman returned her gaze. 

I don’t want to he a mermaid,” she said ; I don’t 
want to be drawed to the bottom of the cruel sea. ’Tis 
that time long ago when you were nearly wrecked that 
has put the thought into your brain, Oceana. ’Tis a 
maiden’s folly, but as to the lad you flouted — ^you surely 
don’t mean to say that young Mr. Percival Manners 
was treated rude by you ? ” 

Oceana rose composedly to her feet. 

That was his name,” she said. I have taught him 
a lesson. Oh, mammy, — how I hate that mother of 
his, and how I detest his fine gentleman boy airs ! He 
was angry. He said he thought I was a lady, and that 
he was a gentleman. Let him be a gentleman, mammy 
mine. I’ll never be naught but your girl — drawn from 
the sea for you. Ah, there’s Ted coming in ! Ted, you 
are the lad after my own heart” 

Oceana ran up to her sturdy foster-brother, wound 
her arms round his neck, and kissed him. The lad 
coloured, and felt strange. For the first time, as he 
looked down into Oceana’s blue eyes, he made a strange 
discovery. They were far more beautiful than his 
sister’s eyes. When a boy makes a discovery like this 
he advances a very long step towards manhood. 

Meanwhile, the effect on young Manners of Oceana’s 
snub, was to cause him to dislike Piets Island. He was 
curious about her, and deeply annoyed. She Tvas a very 
wild, uncouth, untamed creature; but she was lovely. 
And she had been rude to him. She had scorned his 
birth and position. How was it possible for him not to 
take an interest in her? 

When he got back to Piers Island that evening he 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


66 


asked a great many questions with regard to her; but 
nobody seemed to know anything at all except what be 
bad already heard. 

She was downright insulting to me,” remarked the 
boy ; quite violent, but she is the handsomest girl I 
ever saw. She is unlike anybody else. I never looked 
at eyes like hers. You understand, don’t you,” — here 
he looked at Lady Dyke — what the sea is like on the 
calmest summer day? Well, her eyes were like that, 
except that they flashed. I say — she’s a spit-fire ! And 
why ever should she hate my mother, and speak so 
violently to me ? ” 

For my part, I call it a very interesting psycho- 
logical study,” remarked Sir Charles. 

Charles, dear; you always do use such funny ex- 
pressions,” remarked his wife. Now, Percival, I will 
tell you just what I know. That little nymph must be 
a very ungrateful creature, for, as a matter of fact, she 
owes a great deal to your mother. Your mother met her 
last autumn, and took a fancy to her.” 

“ Why — of course, I know that,” said Percival. 

Mother wrote to me at the time. She told me it was 
such a very pretty fairy tale, and that she meant to helj) 
the fairy to have a good time in life.” 

Your mother acted most nobly to an orphan child,” 
said Lady Dyke. She has provided all the money 
necessary for her school expenses. I chose a school for 
her, and she went there about two months ago. I haven’t 
seen her since her return.” 

Percival burst out laughing. 

" You don’t mean to tell me. Lady Dyke, that Oceana 
of the Cave, the mermaid, spends most of her time at a 
fashionable boarding-school for young ladies ? ” 


66 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


And why not ? She must be educated.” 

Percival burst into another peal of laughter. 

Do tell me where her school is ? ” he asked in a 
coaxing tone. 

I will do nothing of the sort. You’ll just he writing 
to her and making mischief.” 

I — ^write to Oceana ? I’d like to see myself doing 
it. She got into a regular fury with me, and just be- 
cause I happen to he Percival Manners. Whatever is 
the matter with my name ? ” 

Psychological — ^purely psychological,” murmured 
the baronet. 

Now, Charles, go off to your smoking-room, and 
leave Percival with me,” said his wife. 

Sir Charles rose, smiled grimly, and left the room. 

What does he mean ? ” asked the Eton boy. 

Oh, I never take any notice of him when he is in 
his queer moods.” 

You’re a very wise woman. Lady Dyke,” remarked 
Percival, looking at her with admiration. I only wish 
mother would take a leaf out of your book. She hasn’t 
been a bit well for some time — ^in short, not since I was 
ill last Spring; and that notion of hers for shutting up 
our place during the winter and taking Margaret to 
Dresden is too absurd for anything. Why, you know, 
the winter is far and away the best time at Fanborough 
Towers. It’s very hard on a chap when his mother de- 
liberately shuts up the place that will be his, and tells 
him to spend his time visiting.” 

My dear Percival, seeing that you are with us, you 
are not very polite.” 

Oh, I don’t mean that. Lady Dyke ; you know me 
too well. Of course I have always loved being with you 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 67 

and Sir Charles, but even Piers Island is not quite like 
Eanborough.” 

I will tell you about the little girl,^^ continued Lady 
Dyke. “ Your mother was deeply interested in her 
story — in fact, I may as well say at once — remarkably 
so. It is your mother who is paying for her school. 
The child, for some curious reason, hated leaving her 
foster people. She is a wild, handsome, ignorant young 
creature, and preferred to stay with rough folk like the 
Barfoots. Your mother thought, and wisely, that a girl 
in her class ought not to be allowed to grow up as a 
young savage.” 

‘‘ I fail to understand,” said Percival. A girl in 
her class — ^what class has she? By Jove, she might be 
anybody though, to judge from her airs; but I presume 
she is nothing but a farmer’s daughter.” 

Well, my dear boy, that is the curious thing. She 
is, poor creature, nobody at all. She has not even a 
name; but the man who brought her to shore from the 
Hercules, and saved her life, said that she was of high 
rank, and a great heiress.” 

Percival looked thoughtful. 

She’d be magnificent,” he said, if she were of 
high rank. Why, in a year or two she’d take London by 
storm. I wish I could see her again.” 

Take my advice, dear, and think no more about 
her. Your mother is doing what is right for the girl, 
and she will be able, by-and-by, to earn her own liv- 
ing.” 

Percival Manners frowned, and presently went out of 
the room. A couple of days later he informed his host 
and hostess that he was about to start for Dresden, as he 
wished to see his mother before returning to Eton. 


58 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


This was to be his last year at Eton, as he was going to 
Oxford the following October. 

Lady Margaret had secured for herself a very fine 
suite of rooms in one of the most fashionable streets of 
Dresden. Money there was, almost unlimited. If she 
wished to obtain a thing, she never thought for a 
moment how much it might cost. Her children were 
brought up with all their mother’s notions. But then 
Percival’s future estate which, as a matter of fact, his 
mother now held in trust for him, had a vast rent roll ; 
and why should not the happy rich enjoy their riches ? 
This was the motto of the Manners family, and the two 
young people grew up, exclusive, careless, happy-go- 
lucky, and with no very serious views with regard to 
life. 

Lady Margaret was annoyed when she received her 
son’s telegram. Why should he suddenly leave Piers 
Island ? Had he quarrelled with the Dykes ? He fol- 
lowed his message as quickly as steamboat and train 
could bring him, and arrived at Dresden early one 
morning just after his sister Margaret had started for 
school. 

How, Percival,” said his mother, kissing him with 
eager passion, a strange anxious expression on her 
face, what is the matter ? What is the reason of this 
hurried change of plan ? ” 

I suppose I may want to see you, mater,” replied 
the young fellow. 

Oh, if it is only that,” she said, smiling at him and 
kissing him afresh, You do look well, my darling, 
your face is quite brown, and not nearly so thin as it was 
in the summer.” 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


59 


I am all right, mother,” said the boj, you needn^t 
fret about me.” 

He sank back on a sofa, and looked full up at her. 
She had drawn her chair close to his. 

You are all right yourself, I hope,” he added. 

Of course I am — perfectly well. Why should you 
imagine anything else ? ” 

He glanced up at his mother’s hair. It used to be 
very dark, dark as night, but it was now distinctly 
streaked with silver. She observed that he noticed her 
hair; also that he saw new and deep lines round her 
eyes, and a sort of haggard expression about the corners 
of her lips. It was torture to her when Percival exam- 
ined her like this, nevertheless she bore the scrutiny 
without flinching. 

I do wish one thing,” he said hotly. 

What is that, my dear boy ? ” 

That you had not shut Eanborough up for the win- 
ter. It’s beastly stuffy here in these artificially-heated 
rooms, although it’s so bitterly cold in the streets. But 
I, for one, can’t live without fresh air, and whatever is 
the use of Margaret being turned into a Grerman girl 
when she is English of the English ? ” 

Your sister is all right, Percival. She must be 
educated. A girl of the present day — that is, a girl 
who wishes to be anybody, must know at least two lan- 
guages beside her own. But now — the truth, Percival, 
Why have you come? You don’t like Dresden; you 
don’t like artificially-heated rooms; you love the fresh 
air. I arranged that you should have a good time at 
Piers Island. Why have you left the Dykes and come to 
me ? ” 

The boy coloured. He had really come, hot-foot, all 


60 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


the way to Dresden to ask his mother some direct ques- 
tions with regard to Oceana. But now that he was face 
to face with her, he found a strange difficulty in ex- 
plaining himself. She might laugh at him, and he was 
of such a sensitive nature that he hated ridicule. It 
was because Oceana had laughed at him, and sneered at 
him, had been rude, that he felt so dreadfully hurt. 
But his mother’s ridicule would be even worse than 
Oceana’s. She would be justly annoyed at his rushing 
away from the Dykes just because a little peasant girl 
chose to abuse him. Now, knowing well that his 
mother’s eyes were fixed on his face, he was conscious 
that the slight colour which had risen to his cheeks had 
mounted upwards to his forehead. He bent forward 
and took both his mother’s hands. 

I know exactly what has happened,” said Lady 
Margaret, speaking in a clear, cold voice, which acted 
like a dash of water on his fervent spirit. You 
have seen that little sea girl, Oceana. I was silly 
enough to tell you her story — or the little story 
that is known about her. You want to talk about her to 
me.” 

You are a witch, mother. That is just it. I have 
seen her. May I tell you exactly what occurred ? ” 
Lady Margaret suppressed a carefully stimulated 
yawn. After a minute, she said : I don’t wonder at 

your being attracted by the child, for she is a pretty 
young creature, although not in your walk of life, and 
her story is a very sad one. I did what I could for her. 
I have arranged for her education during the next few 
years. At the end of that time she will be able to sup- 
port herself, and help the kind people who have adopted 
her. I only hope, my dear Percival, you don’t think I 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 61 

was recklessly extravagant in doing what I did for little 
Oceana.” 

Mother, how could you imagine such a thing. Any- 
one living would do what he could for such a splendid 
girl.” 

You must kindly remember, my dear boy, that the 
girl you speak of in such rapturous terms is a nameless 
orphan, cast up by the sea on our island.” 

Well, I wdll tell you about her,” he said restlessly, 
and went on to relate the story of his adventure with 
Oceana at the entrance to the sea cave. 

He described the girl’s appearance, her wild, beauti- 
ful face, the clear, wondrous blue of her eyes, her re- 
semblance to a mermaid. Finally, he spoke of the girl’s 
fury and rage when he announced his name, of the 
hatred she openly expressed towards his mother, who 
was so good to her, of the defiant scorn in her young 
voice when she declared that the very last thing she 
wished on earth was to be a lady. 

You are so good to her, mother,” he said, “ but she 
— she hates you.” 

Lady Margaret rose silently, touched a little gong 
which stood near, and a servant appeared. 

We will have Fruhstcuk in the salon.” 

The man bowed and withdrew. Lady Margaret then 
went back to her son. 

Percival, I have nothing whatever further to tell 
you about this child. She is handsome, and her story 
is a sad one. I have plenty of money, and I have taken 
steps to give her an education. Some day she will 
thank me for what I have done, but at present she is far 
too much of a baby to know where her true welfare lies. 
Now, shall we change the subject ? Forget her, Percival. 
Her life and yours will never touch again.” 


62 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


Percival looked down moodily. 

When you wrote to me, mother,” he said, “ and 
told me her story, you forgot to mention one important 
thing.” 

What was that ? ” was the mother’s quick rejoinder. 

You did not repeat the last words of the man who 
saved the child’s life, and brought her to shore. He 
said, ^ She is of high rank, and an heiress/ Mother, 
ought not we — doesn’t it seem to be our duty to find out 
about her, to try and discover for ourselves what her real 
name is ? She doesn’t look a bit like a child of the peo- 
ple, mother ; you own that yourself, don’t you ? ” 

Yes, dear, I do. And I did not repeat those words, 
for I considered them to be simply the ravings of a poor, 
delirious, dying man. The child was probably his child. 
His name and therefore her rightful name — lies for- 
gotten in his grave. My dear, romantic boy, you must 
not dwell any longer on this matter, but in order to ease 
your mind, I will tell you that at the time of the ship- 
wreck, Sir Charles and his wife did everything possible 
to discover the true identity of the poor baby. Sir 
Charles put the whole affair into the hands of his law- 
yers, but without any result whatsoever. It is my im- 
pression, my dear son, that the man who brought the little 
girl to shore, said the words in a fit of delirium.” 

I don’t believe you,” said Percival. The girl, 
whatever she may appear now, however scornful she was 
to me, however heartily she may hate you, is by birth a 
lady. Even I, young as I am, can see that. But never 
mind, mother, don’t look worried. Which room shall 
I have? As you wish, we won’t talk about Oceana 
any more.” 


CHAPTEE VIII 


When Oceana was sixteen years of age she was sent 
from the excellent school in Bath to a very fashionable 
establishment in Paris for the development of all that is 
considered graceful, courteous, and essential to refine- 
ment in the young lady of the present day. 

She remained in Paris for close on three years, during 
which time she did not once return to her home on the 
Devon coast. It was determined, however, that when 
she was nineteen, she was to leave school finally, and — 
well — do something. What that something was to be, 
was not, up to the present, very clearly defined. 

In the years that had elapsed, the young girl had un- 
dergone great changes. She had cast off the extreme 
wildness of her early days — that is, outwardly. In 
figure, she was tall, slender, and beautiful, the very 
personification of grace. Her blue eyes still had the 
restless look of the sea, although, at times, when she was 
perfectly happy, they could be calm as the deep sea pool 
in shadow. She had, however, a sharp tongue, and, 
when anybody opposed her, a fierce, and even defiant 
manner. 

Eor her own people, as she called Mammy Barfoot, 
and the farmer and her foster brothers and sisters, she 
bore an all-enduring and very deep affection. They 
were hers. She would do great things for them in the 
63 


64 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


future. Mammy should not work in the future, the 
farmer should have plenty of money in the future. For 
Oceana was very quick to see below the surface, and when 
Mammy Barfoofs illiterate and rambling letters arrived, 
which they did with the regularity of clockwork once a 
week, the girl read between the lines, and guessed that 
things were not so prosperous as they had been at the 
Eidge Farm. An eager, anxious expression would fill 
her eyes as she read these epistles. Sometimes a light 
of rejoicing would cause them to dance. Suppose it was 
to be her happy privilege to help those who had rescued 
her. What could any girl want more ? 

You are so strange, Oceana,’^ said one of her school- 
mates. “ You stand so often with that dreamy look in 
your eyes. When I see you like that I wonder what you 
can be thinking of.” 

Very much the same as you are thinking of when 
you stand and consider,” replied Oceana. I am living 
in my future life.” 

Helene, the girl who was speaking, coloured slightly. 

We all naturally think a great deal of our future 
life in this school,” she said. “ Some of us are going to 
be religious. We will take the vows, and rejoice in the 
quiet life of the cloisters, and the blessed seclusion of 
the holy nuns’ existence. But again, others of us will 
marry, and see the world. Do you, Oceana, think of a 
nunnery or of marriage ? ” 

I think of neither,” was the quick response. 

What,” said Helene, you think of neither ! But 
surely there is nothing else in our future ? ” 

Oceana laughed. 

You are French, and a Eoman Catholic,” she said; 
^^you cannot therefore understand English girls. We 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


65 


English girls do many things with our lives in England 
now, and I like advanced women — women who have the 
courage of their convictions. I shall be one probably 
myself.” 

Oh, those awful creatures ! I have heard of them 
in the newspapers. I do trust you won’t shriek, and 
fling your arms round policemen.” 

Silly,” retorted Oceana ; that isn’t the way ; but 
there is a way all the same.” 

Helene looked at her young companion attentively. 

I expect you’ll do wonders with your life,” she 
said. For my part, I mean to marry; but we all say 
in the school one to the other that you are different from 
ns.” 

Naturally, I am,” replied Oceana. 

And is it true what Madame says — ^that you were 
drawn out of the sea ? ” 

Yes, it is true ; but I don’t want Madame to tell my 
history.” 

You are very proud and cross,” said Helene, tears 
dimming her brown eyes. 

J ust then the wide doors of the salon were flung open, 
and a lady and gentleman were admitted. 

Monsieur and Madame Huntingdon to see Made- 
moiselle Oceana.” 

Helene disappeared at once. Oceana went slowly for- 
ward, made a low and graceful curtsy, and then offered 
the lady a chair. The lady held out her hand to the 
girl. 

I am an Englishwoman,” she said ; “ I live in York- 
shire. I have heard of you, and of your story — no 
matter from whom, no matter how. May I introduce my 
husband ? ” 

5 


66 


OCEAI^A’S GIKLHOOD 


Certainly/’ replied Oceana, turning her blue eyes 
towards the gentleman. 

Mr. Huntingdon bowed. 

We are both much interested in you, my dear child,” 
continued the lady. May we talk to you for a 
little?” 

“ Of course,” replied Oceana. She was attracted by 
the lady’s sad, grave face, and by the gentleman’s ap- 
pearance. He was tall and thin, with grey hair, and 
kind brown eyes, which reminded Oceana in some far-oif 
indefinite way of Mammy Barfoot’s; he had also a 
dignified, aristocratic manner. The lady was of the 
petite type. Her eyes were grey, her hair blonde; but 
she shared the gracious manner and distinction of bear- 
ing which her husband possessed. 

I never heard of you before,” said Oceana ; but 
you look — ^yes, both of you — ^kind, and — and true. 
What can you possibly have to say to a girl like 
me ? ” 

Well, the fact is, we know friends of yours.” 

Friends of mine ? ” said Oceana. But except for 
the Barfoots — ^my dear, dear foster people — and one or 
two girls here, I haven’t any friends.” 

You must have forgotten,” said Mrs. Huntingdon. 

There is, for instance, Lady Margaret Manners. Mr. 
Manners also tells us that he met you once. They are 
in Paris now, and my husband and I would like to take 
you to meet them this afternoon.” 

Ho,” said Oceana, brusquely. 

Mrs. Huntingdon looked at her husband, who rose. 

“ I will leave you, my dear, to talk to Miss Barfoot, 
and will call again in a quarter of an hour.” 

Yes, do, Edward,” replied the wife. 


i 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


67 


Mr. Huntingdon immediately left the salon, and the 
little lady with the kind face drew her chair closer to 
the one on which the girl was seated. 

I will come to the point at once,” she said. I 
happened to hear your story by accident. It interested 
me.” 

My old — old story,” interrupted Oceana, “ about 
the time when I was drawn from the sea ? ” 

Yes, that, and other things. But let me come to 
the point, dear. You are, I understand, leaving school 
at the end of this term.” 

Yes,” replied Oceana, in her quietest manner. 

I thought so. You are young, and my husband and 
I want a young creature in our house. With the excep- 
tion of our guests — and we entertain a certain amount 
when Mr. Huntingdon is strong enough — ^we live a quiet 
and secluded life. What we want to know is this: 
Would you like to come to me to be my companion, to 
do what I require, to write my letters for me and help 
me to entertain my guests? I would give you plenty 
to do, and I would treat you as a daughter. As to terms 
— I can afford a salary of a hundred a year. That, I 
think, as matters are considered in the present day, is 
a good income for a young girl.” 

I wasn’t thinking of that at all,” said Oceana, rest- 
lessly. The money doesn’t matter.” 

She looked across the room, and her eyes had a wild 
light in them, as though she were remembering some- 
thing with great distinctness. Then she said, gently, 
somewhat to the astonishment of the h.dy, “ After all, I 
have to think of my salary. Would you pay the hun- 
dred a year quarterly in advance ? ” 

Yes, if you thought it necessary.” 


68 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


I should like it in advance, please — twenty-five 
pounds in advance ; could you afford that ? ” 

Mrs. Huntingdon smiled. 

I can promise to give you twenty-five pounds in 
advance. You will come to me ? ” 

Most certainly I will. I am much obliged.” 

Oceana looked as though the interview had come to 
an end. Mrs. Huntingdon gave her a full glance, in 
which curiosity and admiration were mingled. 

My child,” she said, “ you don’t ask any questions 
about your future life.” 

No,” replied Oceana, there are no questions to 
ask.” 

You haven’t even inquired for my address.” 

I suppose you will give me your address before the 
term ends. There’s a whole month yet to the end of 
term.” 

Yes, I will supply you with my address. I will 
come and see you again.” 

It won’t be necessary,” said Oceana. Everything 
is settled now.” 

Very well, if you prefer it so. My endeavour will 
be to make you happy.” 

And mine to do my duty,” said Oceana. “ By the 
way,” she continued, I forgot something. I cannot 
think why I was so careless, but after the term is over, 
I must go home for a week before I take up my abode 
with you.” 

Home, child ? ” 

Yes, to Devonshire. To my dear people, the Bar- 
foots.” 

That is natural and right; you may certainly spend 
a week or a fortnight with them.” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 69 : 

Thank you very much. I will accept your offer. I 
will stay with them for a fortnight. I haven’t seen 
them for three years.” 

Mrs. Huntingdon rose. 

Miss Barfoot,” she said, you have accepted my 
offer, and I am exceedingly obliged to you. I think 
you are the sort of girl I should like, and also that my 
husband will like you; but this offer has been made to 
you suddenly, and you may wish to reconsider your 
decision. So young a girl as you are may change her 
mind after due reflection. A letter from you will find 
me at the Continental Hotel until next Monday.” 

Thank you very much, but I shall not change my 
mind; I never do.” 

** I hope you will not, my dear. I feel, somehow, that 
we shall suit each other.” 

Oceana made no response. She looked gravely at the 
lady, who returned her gaze with one full of great kind- 
ness and sympathy. 

You are lonely, my child,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, 
impulsively. You must look upon me as a mother. 
I don’t want you in any sense of the word to feel that 
you are as a paid companion in my house. You receive 
money because you cannot do without it, but I want 
you to look upon me as a mother.” 

Thank you,” said Oceana, but I never can. I have 
one mother, and she lives in Devonshire. It is to her I 
want to go when I leave school.” 

Very well. At any rate, I will do my utmost to be 
kind to you.” 

And I will do my utmost to fulfil every duty,” 
repeated Oceana in a quiet, restrained voice. 

At that moment Mr. Huntingdon reappeared. 


70 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


Edward,” said his wife, I am glad to tell you 
that Miss Barfoot has consented to come to us as my 
companion and — and adopted daughter. We will write 
further to her as to where she is to meet us by-and-by.” 

We shall be in Paris again, Miss Barfoot, at the 
end of July,” said Huntingdon in a quick, somewhat 
eager voice. We are going from here to Switzerland. 
You could join us on the way, and we could take you 
with us. You would like that ? ” 

Oceana’s eyes showed no sign of brightening. 

Thank you,” she answered, but Mrs. Huntingdon 
has been kind enough to say that I may spend a fort- 
night with my people in Devonshire. That is, before I 
devote myself to my new duties.” 

Yes, dear,” said the wife. Oceana stipulates for 
that.” 

‘^And quite natural,” replied Huntingdon. 

Well,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, “ will you run up- 
stairs now and put on your hat and jacket, Oceana, and 
allow us the privilege of taking you in our motor car to 
Ritz’s Hotel, where the Manners are staying ? ” 

No, thank you,” said Oceana. Then she added, as 
though she wanted to soften her refusal. You are very 
kind, but I would rather not meet them. Besides, this 
is a very busy day at school.” 

When Huntingdon and his wife found themselves in 
their car, he said, abruptly: 

Well, Lucia, what do you think of her ? ” 

We’ve got to know her yet,” said Mrs. Huntingdon. 
I agree with you that she is very reserved, but she 
will be interesting,” continued Huntingdon. 

She is the sort of girl we have wanted for a very 
long time,” said the wife. 


OCEAISTA^S GIELHOOD 


Y1 


“ Yes, I think so, too.” 

And isn’t she handsome, Ned ? ” 

Yes, but there’s something the matter with her. 
She wants waking up. I don’t know how to describe it, 
she has a sort of lost look in her eyes.” 

She won’t wear that expression long surrounded by 
the kindness we mean to shower upon her,” said Mrs. 
Huntingdon. 

Huntingdon was silent. 

Nevertheless,” continued Mrs. Huntingdon, she is 
a queer girl. She wouldn’t ask one question with regard 
to her duties; she did not even inquire where we lived. 
She was anxious to come to us, and stipulated that her 
salary should be paid quarterly in advance, which, of 
course, can be easily arranged.” 

Easily,” said Huntingdon. 

“ There is one thing about her character I do not 
like,” said the wife. She shows a strange want of 
gratitude to dear Lady Margaret Manners, who has been 
so kind to her.” 

Ah, well, she is very young, and wants waking up,” 
repeated the husband. And here we are at the Ritz.” 

I think Lady Margaret would have liked to see her,” 
said Mrs. Huntingdon. It was strange of her to refuse 
to come.” 

Lady Margaret received her guests with pleasant 
warmth. She said at once, in an eager tone : Well, 
and have you seen the sea waif ? ” 

“ Yes, and we have settled matters. She is coming 
to us after she has been in Devonshire for a fortnight.” 

Coming to you ? ” said Lady Margaret in a startled 

tone. 

She had still great control over her nerves, but in 


72 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


spite of every effort, she turned ghastly pale. Oceana 
had been growing up now for six years. From a wild, 
untutored child of thirteen, she had developed into a 
stately maid of nineteen. But those six years which had 
brought so many changes and so many developments 
into her young life, had done much more than merely 
change Lady Margaret’s appearance. On the day when 
the wild child, Oceana, apologised for the rudeness of 
her supposed brothers and sisters. Lady Margaret was 
a dark, stately, handsome woman. She was dark and 
stately still, but her face was lined with innumerable 
furrows, her eyes were sunken, and her hair had turned 
to a snowy white. She was devoted to her two children, 
who worshipped her, and would do anything in the 
world to make her happy. 

Margaret was now twenty years of age, and Percival 
twenty “two. A year ago there had been great rejoicing 
at Eanhorough when the young man had taken posses- 
sion of his vast property. The only drawback on that 
auspicious occasion was that Lady Margaret had been 
taken ill. She had a queer fainting attack, and the local 
doctor, who was hastily summoned, said that her heart 
was weak. A day or two later, however, she seemed to 
have quite recovered her usual strength. Percival was 
specially fond of his mother, and was, himself, a pleas- 
ant, handsome young fellow. Margaret Manners, on 
the contrary, was somewhat plain, and unlike either her 
mother or brother in appearance. Her complexion was 
dark, almost to swarthiness, her features somewhat 
rugged, her eyes deep set, and peculiarly placed in her 
head, the eyes themselves having a downward slant, 
which gave her a foreign and, to some people^ a sinister 
expression. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


IS 


Margaret was clever, however. She never quarrelled 
with anyone. She had her own ideas with regard to life. 
She never meant to marry, but to devote herself to all 
sorts of hobbies. When her mother and Percival took 
up their abode at Fanborough in the ensuing autumn, 
she intended to have a suite of chambers, as she ex- 
pressed it, in London, where she could lead a life after 
her own heart. She loved the suffragist movement. 
She was herself a suffragist, although she had not con- 
fessed as much to her mother. Lady Margaret objected 
to young Margaret’s ideas, but the girl knew that her 
mother could not oppose her when she came of age, and 
that event would take place within a few months. 

“ Well,” said Margaret the younger, as the Hunting- 
dons seated themselves, did you find the lost princess ? 
And is she quite as beautiful as report says ? ” 

“ I think it is more that she is different from others 
than that she is absolutely the most beautiful girl I 
have ever seen,” was Mrs. Huntingdon’s reply. 

What are you talking about ? ” asked Percival. 

His sister looked at him and laughed. 

Why, Percy,” she said, “ you will be interested. 
Our friends have just been to see your far-famed Oceana 
of the Cave. I wonder, now that she is grown up, if she 
will wear seaweed and try to pass as a mermaid.” 

Have you really seen her, Mrs. Huntingdon ? ” said 
the young man, his face lighting up with animation. 

Yes, indeed we have, both of us,” said Mrs. Hun- 
tingdon, enjoying the interest which the two young 
people seemed to exhibit. 

Do you like her ? ” asked Margaret. 

“ I am sure I shall like her,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, 
‘^but she needs knowing, poor child.” 


74 


0CEAi7A’S GIELHOOD 


Percival drew a chair near the lady, and said in a 
low tone. “ Tell me, please — are her eyes as blue as 
ever ? ’’ 

They are remarkable eyes, Percival — blue ? yes, I 
expect they are blue. They are very intense eyes — sor- 
rowful one minute, glad the next. Perhaps you will be 
interested to hear that she is likely to be your near 
neighbour. I have offered her a post as my companion, 
and I mean, as a matter of fact, if she turns out what I 
expect she will, to put her in the place of a daughter. 
I am lonely, and want some one to interest me. Oceana 
will do that. She will live at Glenleven Lodge in 
future. 

Lady Margaret, who always insisted on pouring out 
tea, however many visitors might happen to be present, 
was at that moment helping herself to a cup. Suddenly 
the spoon with which she was about to stir it fell on to 
the polished floor, making a clatter, and as she stooped 
to pick it up, the tea itself was upset. Percival sprang 
to the rescue, carefully wiped his mother’s dress, over 
which some of the tea was spilt, and rang the bell for 
the waiter to bring a fresh cup and saucer and remove 
the broken cup which lay on the floor. 

How stupid of me,” said Lady Margaret. 

Mums,” said Margaret, looking full at her mother, 
your nerves are out of order, and if you are not care- 
ful, you will have one of your attacks. You must lie 
down immediately on the sofa.” 

Ho, dear ; I am really quite well — quite well. I 
dropped the spoon, which was heavy, and, in stooping to 
pick it up, the cup overbalanced. It’s a mere accident, 
and has nothing to do with my health.” 

“ You’re looking very white, mums, all the same.” 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 75 

Don’t remark on me, Margaret; you know I dis- 
like it.” 

Very well, I won’t. Mrs. Huntingdon, if you have 
finished tea — ah, here comes the waiter.” 

Orders were given for the broken fragments to be re- 
moved, and in a few minutes Mrs. Huntingdon found 
herself by Lady Margaret’s side. 

I want to speak to you,” said Lady Margaret. 

Your news has rather astonished me. I understood, 
when you asked me for Oceana Barfoot’s address, that 
meant to offer her a very different post.” 

Mrs. Huntingdon raised her bright grey eyes to the 
tired eyes of the other woman. 

What did you think, dear ? ” she asked. 

I quite understood that you meant to ask her to go 
to Australia — to Sydney — to live with your sister.” 

Did you ? I am sorry. As a matter of fact, I be- 
lieve I had some such wild idea when you spoke to me 
about the girl a few days ago.” 

You certainly had, Lucia ; you told me that your 
sister wanted a particularly nice, lady-like girl to live 
with her. You thought the chance a splendid one for a 
girl who was well educated, good looking, and of unim- 
peachable character. I immediately thought of this poor 
child, Oceana Barfoot. I was sure that in Mrs. 
Fletcher’s society she would receive every kindness, and 
might eventually marry, and have a happy life of her 
own.” 

It was kind of you, Margaret. And it was because 
of this you gave me her address ? ” 

Certainly.” 

Well, if I have disappointed you, I am sorry ; but 
I cannot possibly see how I have disappointed you. My 


76 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


sister has unexpectedly found another girl who is in 
Australia, and who will adapt herself to Colonial life 
far better than Miss Barfoot.” 

Then I — am I to understand that the girl is com- 
ing to live with you at Glenleven Lodge ? ” 

Yes, Margaret, we have arranged it.” 

I don’t wish it,” said Lady Margaret, abruptly. 


CHAPTER IX 


You speak very strangely/^ said Mrs. Huntingdon. 
She frowned and looked puzzled. It was at that moment 
that Percival drew near. His face was bright and full 
of animation. 

Mother,” he said, “ have you heard the pleasant 
news which Mrs. Huntingdon has brought us? My lost 
Princess of the Cave is coming to live at our very gates. 
I say, mother, isn’t it jolly ? I shall be pleased to meet 
that wild little nymph again.” 

“ Yes, Percy, it will be very nice,” said Lady 
Margaret, suddenly and completely changing her 
tone. 

Mrs. Huntingdon looked at her hostess in astonish- 
ment Percival said a few more words, and then turned 
his attention to Mr. Huntingdon, who happened to be a 
very old neighbour and friend. 

Miss Barfoot is remarkable in every sense of the 
word,” said Huntingdon. “ She is handsome enough to 
turn any man’s head ; but it isn’t exactly her good looks 
that attract one, it is something pathetic and yet 
wild about her. At the same time, she is a young spit- 
fire.” 

Percival laughed. 

She always was a spit-fire,” he said ; I met her 
years and years ago when she was a child. I was stay- 
77 


78 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


ing with the Dykes at the time at Piers Island. Mother 
was at Dresden with Margaret. I was feeling rather 
lonely, for although I am very fond of Sir Charles and 
Lady Dyke, nevertheless, I was pining for my own 
home. Well, I was walking along with my gun when I 
saw this young fury, or spit-fire, or whatever you like 
to call her, standing in the entrance of one of the caves. 
She had her coal-black hair falling down below her 
knees, and a wreath of brown seaweed round her head 
and hanging partly over her forehead. In her hands she 
held garlands of the same, which she was twisting up 
into a sort of rope. Her whole attitude was so ex- 
traordinary, and there was such a wild — well, I must say 
beautiful — light in her eyes, that for a brief half-minute 
I thought I had come across a veritable mermaid. I 
tried to make her acquaintance, but I assure you, 
Mr. Huntingdon, she would have nothing to do with 
me.” 

She is a very queer girl,” said Mr. Huntingdon, 
but interesting, very interesting for all that. As a 
grown-up young lady she can’t possibly behave as she 
did when she was a wild child. If the truth must be 
known, Percival, she is a girl, I should imagine, of 
very deep feelings, and would have been angry with 
anyone for taking her from the Barfoots.” 

Those common farmer folks ? ” said the young man. 

Well, yes ; but they weren’t common in her eyes. 
She loves them still devotedly. Anyhow, she is coming 
to us. It occurred to me last night, and to my dear 
wife, that a young companion in the house would be 
delightful, and as my sister-in-law, Emily, has ar- 
ranged matters with another girl, we thought we might 
try and get possession of the sea nymph for ourselves. 


OCEA^^TA’S GIELHOOD 


79 


We went to see her to-day on purpose, and we asked 
her — we took the liberty, Percival, to beg of her to ac- 
company us here in order to see your mother, your sister, 
and yourself. Our natural feeling was that she would 
like to meet such true friends.’’ 

It was a very natural feeling,” replied Percival ; 
but why didn’t she come ? ” 

She refused point blank.” 

Did she give a reason ? ” 

None ; she simply refused.” 

Then she isn’t really changed a hit,” was Percival’s 
rejoinder. She hated us long ago, although I could 
never make out why, and I suppose she will continue 
to do so — that is, well, there is no saying; sometimes 
hate changes.” His face grew thoughtful; his dark 
eyes lit up with animation. Her queer face, and 
words, and manner have always lived in my memory,” 
he added. It will be rather fun having her at the 
Lodge. I am glad she is coming.” 

Meanwhile, Lady Margaret turned gently to her com- 
panion, and said in a low tone : You must forgive me 
for being a little impulsive, Lucia. That girl Oceana 
has always been a' particularly rude child. She is un- 
grateful, too, for I have done much for her; but, of 
course, no one notices the silly manners of a mere 
schoolgirl. She will change with the years, and learn 
self-control, and also come to appreciate those who are 
her best friends. If I had taken no notice of her years 
ago she would just have been an ignorant farm girl, 
and have doubtless married in that class. Now, owing 
to my exertions, she is a lady, and can take her place as 
such. It might have done her good to send her to one 


80 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


of the colonies, but as you have secured her for your- 
self, of course there is no more to be said.” 

There isn’t, my dear,” said Mrs. Huntingdon ; I 
could not possibly disappoint the girl now.” 

As she spoke, she rose to take leave. 


CHAPTER X 


Six weeks later a rough but well-grown and comely 
youth was waiting at the little station known by the 
name of Piers Point. As Piers Island was the princi- 
pal and most important part of the place, the village 
was called Piers and the station Piers Point. 

The young man was broad-shouldered and well de- 
veloped. He had thick, dark hair, which, cut very 
short, stood up like a mop or brush all over his head. 
His eyes were black, as they were in the old days. He 
had somewhat thick lips, and a firm, bulldog cast of jaw. 
His name was Edward Barfoot, and until he was six- 
teen years of age he had always supposed Oceana to be 
his sister. 

He was waiting now for the local train which would 
bring Oceana once more into the midst of his family. 
He had known for several years the little there was to be 
known of her story. When his mother told the girl 
herself, she though it best also to communicate the news 
to her children. They received the information with the 
pleasing indifference of youth. It mattered little or 
nothing to them whether their slim, graceful young com- 
panion was their very own sister or not. She was good 
at games, and clever at story-telling, and twice as bold 
and adventurous and daring as any of them. 

During the years when Oceana came back at intervals 

6 81 


82 


OCEAl^A^S GIRLHOOD 


from her different grand schools, the Barfoots had, how- 
ever, instinctively found that there was an ever-grow- 
ing barrier between them and her. Hot that Oceana 
was proud ; on the contrary, she greeted them with affec- 
tion, with kisses, and with love. But when she was 
sixteen years of age she ceased to kiss Ted, and that 
fact alone gave the young fellow a curious mingling 
of shame and delight. When she was seventeen she 
went to Paris, and for three whole years none of her 
foster people had seen the maid from the sea. During 
these anxious years, times had gone very badly with 
Farmer Barfoot. One failing harvest after another had 
placed him in serious financial difficulties. The Ridge 
Farm, which in the days of Oceana’s happy sojourn 
there, was the home of plenty and comfort, was now 
stinted and bare. Slowly but surely the farmer had 
to sell his best stock in order to pay the rent as it fell 
due. 

There’s no use troubling,” he said to himself. I 
must apprentice Ted to a trade; I will secure money 
for that one way or t’other, and the girls must go into 
sarvice. The little ’uns, they’ll stay along of us until 
they’re a bit bigger, hut the two elder must earn their 
living. You and me, wife,” he added, will live as 
cottiers on the land which we used to consider our own. 
There’s no help for it, we must do it. Well, we’s had 
our sun of prosperity, and I suppose we must take our 
bitter winds of adversity in good part.” 

nevertheless, although Luke Barfoot spoke so, his 
wife did not give up hope ; for in summer weather, when 
the sun shines all day long, and the waves sparkle 
crisply, and the air is at once like nectar and strong 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 83 

and fresh and keen, it is impossible to be always 
moping. 

So, on the day of Oceana’s return, active prepara- 
tions for the arrival of the Princess were taking place. 

Her shan’t have but the best welcome on ’arth,” 
said Mrs. Barfoot, whose cheerful, kindly face was much 
puckered with the lapse of years, and still more with 
I anxiety; but nothing on God’s earth could take the love 
i and motherhood out of that woman’s sweet brown eyes. 
And now she felt, as she expressed it, that everything 
must come right, for her very own lamb — her dinky 
babe, the pet of all her pets was coming back to her to- 
day. Having made all possible preparations, having 
instructed Flossie and Dolly with regard to supper until 
these two young women were almost cross, the good 
mother went upstairs to the room she had got ready for 
her. 

It was the old, old room under the roof tree. Oceana 
would have been wild if she had been asked to sleep in 
any other. Mrs. Barfoot sank heavily, as she had done 
six years ago, on the side of the bed, folded her soft 
hands over her plump knees, and looked anxiously out at 
the little peep of sky which was all that was visible 
from Oceana’s window. 

How, he it a punishment ? ” she said to herself. I 
1 wonder, and wonder, and wonder if it be. I love she 
better than my own childer. From the minute I set 
eyes on her I did, and I can’t undo it, try as I may. 
Even Luke remarks on it, and him’s not too sharp, 
although he’s the best man on ’arth ; hut even Luke said 
it weren’t fair, and I don’t suppose for a minute it be, 
all the same I can’t help it. I love she better than any 
o’ my own.” 


84 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


While the poor woman struggled with this idolatrous 
aiFection, Edward Barfoot, her eldest son, as he waited 
on the platform, remembered, for about the thousandth 
time, with a great throb in his heart, the discovery he 
had made six years ago. That discovery had been made 
when Oceana had frankly kissed him and he had ob- 
served the blue colour of her eyes. 

I’d fight the wide world for one like she,” he mur- 
mured to himself. 

The train was now coming in. Oceana would alight 
on the platform in a minute. Would she be changed? 
Would she by any possible chance kiss her foster-brother ? 
Of course not. She left that off years ago. He won- 
dered if she would even condescend to shake hands with 
him. His mother spoke of her as a lady. Young Bar- 
foot did not doubt this assertion for a minute. It 
was his sisters, Elossie and Holly, who called it sheer 

folly- 

A happy, clear girlish voice sounded in his ears. He 
turned quickly to see a' girl, straight as a young birch., 
standing before him. She held out her hand frankly. 

Why, Ted,” she cried, Ted — you are changed ! 
But isn’t it just lovely to be home again? Oh, what 
a day, what air ! ” She opened her pretty mouth to 
draw it in. Ted,” she said, looking round at him 
abruptly, ‘^you’re almost a man.” 

I be twenty, I be,” said Ted, speaking in a gruffer 
voice than he usually assumed, for the sight of Oceana 
— so gracious, so lovely, and so absolutely above him 
in every possible respect — caused his brain to reel. 

I’ll go and put your luggage together. How many 
boxes be you bringin’ along ? ” 

Oh, I don’t know ; let me count. One, two, three — 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 85 

and the little one; that makes four. Yes; and there’s 
my portmanteau, and my dressing-bag.” 

Us ain’t nothing handy to carry such a heap of 
boxes up to the Farm,” said Ted. “ I brought a barrer 
along; I thought that ’ud do.” 

Well, the carrier can take the rest,” said Oceana. 

I am in no hurry. I only want my old dress, and my 
old life at the dear farm. We can take my bag and 
the portmanteau between us.” 

I’ll take ’em,” said the young giant ; you ain’t to 
touch ’em. I’d like to see you at it.” 

He frowned, then reddened with pleasure as Oceana’s 
blue eyes smiled on him. He longed intensely to say, 

There han’t naught i’ the wide world I wouldn’t do 
for ye, Oceana,” but shyness kept back the inappro- 
priate speech. Directions were soon given to the carrier, 
and the two started to walk briskly from Piers Point 
to the Ridge Farm. Ted wheeled the barrow, Oceana 
walked by his side. She was in her sweetest, most 
gracious mood. She was frankly delighted to see him 
again. She remarked on the changes in his appearance. 
His sprouting moustache awoke a merry laugh; but 
all of a sudden she grew sedate and said : “ Ted, you 
must trust me — ^you must tell your foster sister things. 
I feel like your real sister, Ted. Are things very bad 
up yonder ? ” 

She pointed as she spoke in the direction of the 
Farm. 

They be,” said Ted : things be just as bad 
as bad can be. Fayther’s in a continual fret; but my 
mother ” 

Ah,” said Oceana — your mother and mine is too 
good to fret” 


86 


OCEA^TA’S GIKLHOOD 


That’s it, God bless her ! ” said Ted. 

God will bless her,” said Oceana, in a low, reverent 
voice. She is well — is she, Ted ? ” 

Yes ; what should ail she ? Her’s the same as of 
yore. A hit off her head to-day at thought of seeing 
you. Oceana, you have blue eyes ! ” 

And you have black ones,” she answered with a 
laugh. 

When they reached the steep path which led direct 
to the Earm, the girl darted past the youth, and began 
to scramble quickly over moss, and bits of rock and 
heather, so as to shorten the distance which separated 
her from mammy mine.” Dolly and Flossie were 
just taking the most delicious hot cakes out of the oven, 
when Oceana sprang upon them with a gay shout. 

Here I am ! ” she said. “ I am back 1 I am just 
the same as ever — ^that is, inside, I mean. Oh, I’ve 
grown, of course — but what of that. Kiss me, Dolly — 
you old dear! Kiss me, Flossie. Where are those 
blessed angels, the twins; and wherever is father? and 
— ^and where’s ^ mammy mine ? ’ ” 

I’ll tell you a strange thing,” said Dolly, looking 
with excitement into tlhe girl’s face. When fayther 
heard you a-crunchin’ along the gravel, he went and 
hid hisself in the big barn. The cows are going to be 
sold next week, Oceana; and the hay-crop’s poor; and 
there’ll be no wheat to mention.” 

Is it in the big barn he is ? ” said Oceana. 

Yes ; you’d best leave him alone.” 

Oceana stood silent for a minute, then she gently 
removed Dolly’s hand from h^r sleeve. 

I’ll go to my father first,” she said ; afterwards 
to ^ mammy mine,’ ” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 87i 

Oh — oh ! ” exclaimed both girls ; “ oh, but — dare 
you ? ” 

Oceana made no reply. The next minute she was 
out of the house. She had flown past the windows and 
boldly entered the barn before the girls, as they ex- 
pressed it, had time to think. 

The farmer was standing moodily by one of the win- 
dows, leaning his elbows on the window-sill. 

Why, daddy ! daddy ! ” cried Oceana. Here I 
am — ^your own sea-nymth back once more ! ” 

He turned at sound of the gay young voice, saw 
the joyous, lovely creature, and in spite of himself 
held out both his strong arms. The girl flew into 
them, and kissed him over and over on his rough 
cheek. 

Daddy ! daddy ! ” she said. My own dad — ^I’m 
just the same inside; and of course I know you have 
trouble, but I’m grown up now and I am going to help 
you a lot, see if I just don’t ! ” 

Come ’long in to your mammy, my maid,” said the 
farmer. We won’t talk o’ trouble nor nothing of that 
sort now that we’ve got you back, my pretty one. Oh 1 
drat me for the rough fellow that I be. I’ve spoilt 
your pretty sleeve, crushing you so tight to my 
heart.” 

I’ve wanted that hug for three years,” said the 
girl ; and whatever does a sleeve matter ? ” 

They entered the house. Mrs. Barfoot, pale from 
excitement, her brown eyes wide open but suffused with 
joyful ears, was standing in the cntre of the 
kitchen. 

Why — is it — is it — yes — it is — my honey sweet ! ” 
she said ; my best girl — ^my darling ! ” and the girl 


88 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


flew to her and clasped her arras round her neck and 
kissed her over and over again. 

That evening, it is quite true, there was no trouble 
to be found at the Kidge Earra. Doubtless it lurked in 
the corners and sat behind the big farmer’s chair, and 
concerned itself a good bit with Ted, who was in a 
state of mingled rapture and pain, and now and then 
knocked at the hearts of the two happy, healthy, 
well-grown girls, Dolly and Flossie. But trouble could 
do nothing at all to Mrs. Barfoot while Oceana sat so 
near. Oceana was quite a lady and yet still a child — 
the very child of her heart, who loved the sea and who 
loved the old home, and who cared more for her foster 
people than for any other creatures on earth. She had 
a lot to tell, and she knew exactly how to tell it. She 
insisted, when supper was over, on sitting between the 
farmer and his wife, holding a hand of each. 

“ Now, I’ve got my mammy mine and my daddy,” 
she said, and she squeezed the rough hand of the farmer 
and looked with all the love of her heart into the brown 
eyes of mammy mine, and Farmer Barfoot said to 
himself that even trouble must change its face before so 
sweet and gracious a young creature. 

So the first evening passed away. It was the next 
day when things altered. Farmer Barfoot was standing 
in the byre where the cows, which be had practically 
sold, and which were so soon to be handed over to a 
more prosperous neighbour, were quietly chewing the 
cud, when he heard the sound of wheels on the rough 
road leading straight up to the farm. Oceana was 
indoors with her mother. He was standing moodily, 
his hands sunk deep in his pockets. He was thinking 
what his wife’s feelings would be when Starlight, and 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


89 


Swiftfoot, and Daisy, and Meadowgrass were no longer 
there. He had been afraid, up to the present, to tell 
Mrs. Barfoot that the cows must go, but he had con- 
fided the news to his daughters. 

It’s ruin — ruin ! and even the maid with the blue, 
blue eyes can’t save us ! ” he said to himself. Then the 
sound of approaching wheels attracted him, and, to his 
unbounded amazement, he saw Lady Margaret Manners 
coming to meet him in her pony trap. 

It was six years now since he had seen this good lady, 
and even he was startled by the change in her. She 
had never done anything special for him, but she had 
been good to the child — as he found himself calling 
Oceana. That was her affair — he could never make 
head nor tail of it, as far as he was concerned; but, of 
course, it was better to have the maid educated, and 
the girl, from her own account, would earn a pot of 
money in the future. As to her giving the greater part 
of it to him and Mrs. Barfoot, it was not to be thought 
of; but it was pretty to hear her speak. She was a 
dear, fearless, beauteous creature, and he loved her. He 
knew well that he loved her almost as dearly as did his 
wife. 

Farmer Barfoot ! ” called Lady Margaret’s voice ; 
and the farmer instantly left the contemplation of his 
cows and came to meet his visitor. 

You’m come, no doubt, to see our Oceana,” he said. 

Her’s within, wi’ the good wife.” 

“ No ; on the contrary, I have come to see you ; I have 
something very special I want to say to you.” 

At your sarvice, my lady, I am sure.” 

“ I want to have a private talk with you. Farmer Bar- 
foot ; do you mind accompanying me down to the road ? 


90 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


I am driving this pony myself. Will you walk by her 
head until we get to the road? and then we can do our 
little bit of talk. I don’t want to see Oceana yet — ^not 
until after I have spoken to you.” 

As you please, my lady.” 


CHAPTER XI 


You^m bad, my ladj,’’ said the farmer, when they 
found themselves on the high road. 

He turned as he spoke, and gave an earnest, interested 
gaze into the lady’s faded face. 

I’m not bad ; why should you say so ? ” she replied, 
impatiently. Then she added, You are only a farmer, 
or you would know better than to remark on a lady’s 
appearance.” 

Beg pardon, your ladyship. It was the sunk look in 
your eyes that took me all of a heap.” 

Lady Margaret felt inclined to flick the pony’s ears 
in order to cause him to start off on a rapid run, and 
leave the farmer; but second thoughts were best. She 
had a cruel job before her, and do it she must at any 
cost. This was the very road where years ago — six long 
years ago — she had found her burden, and had carried 
it — oh! with such pain, such contrition of heart, such 
searchings of conscience, such struggles sometimes to do 
right — struggles which) invariably came to nothing. It 
was here she had first seen Oceana. A burden which 
had been carried for six years must, more or less, fit the 
shoulders of the one who bears it, and Lady Margaret 
had firmly made up her mind not to falter now. 

I have something to say to you. Farmer Barfoot,” 
she said. 

’Es, my lady ; and I be willing to listen. You have 
91 


92 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


been rare and good to our gel — our lovely dear. She 
be a sight now for anybody to take pleasure in, as lovin’ 
and true and faithful as maid can be, thinkin’ no more 
of herself than when you first sent her away from us 
to a grand school. There’s the lady in her, your lady- 
ship — there’s the true lady; but her can’t see no differ 
atween our folk and herself than her did when her 
thought herself belonging to us.” 

I am glad you consider her character improved,” 
said Lady Margaret. I have not myself seen the 
girl; nevertheless, I take a certain interest in her. I 
also take an interest in you. I wonder, Earmer Bar- 
foot, whether you are willing to help me ? ” 

I be a broken-down man, your ladyship.” 

Lady Margaret paused. She looked full into the 
man’s face. She read the anxiety which, with all his 
efforts, he could not conceal in that brown and battered 
face. The sun had shone on it; the winds had blown 
against it, but these things were nothing. It was the 
absence of the sun of prosperity and it was the presence 
of the harsh winds of adversity that had made Farmer 
Barfoot’s face so grizzled and dour to look at now. 

I arrived here two days ago,” continued Lady Mar- 
garet. Of course, I am staying at Piers Island with 
my old friends, the Dykes. I asked them for the local 
news, and they were pleased to give it to me. Things 
seem to stagnate a good bit in your country.” 

‘^No; things han’t stagnant at all,” remarked the 
farmer. 

Well, that’s just the point I am coming to. I have 
heard, to my regret — to my great regret — that you, one 
of the kindest and best men in the neighbourhood, have 
suffered misfortune.” 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


93 


It’s the will o’ the Almighty,” said Barfoot. 

“ My friend, we needn’t go into that. You have suf- 
fered adversity ? ” 

’Es, your ladyship.” 

It is a question of money ? ” 

Of the want of it, your ladyship.” 

I thought as much. Now I am interested in you.” 

Very kind, I am sure,” said the farmer. It han’t 
to be expected of a fine lady like yourself. You was 
good to Oceana, but there’s something about that maid 
that wins all hearts. I am only a rough farmer man, 
broken down, and near my latter end.” 

I trust not. Do you mind telling me how old you 
are ? ” 

I’ll be fifty my next birthday, your ladyship. It’s 
a good age — half-a-century, no less. It’s a fine long 
time to spend on God’s beauteous ’arth; a-smelling of 
the sea, too, and a-walkin’ in the fields, a-gathering of 
the grain, and a-planting of the harvest. Ay, ay, your 
ladyship, it’s a good long time, and beauteous is the 
world for a man from his twentieth to his forty-fifth 
year, but fro’ that time out, he sort o’ dwindles, and 
begins, somehow, to feel that he wants to lie flat down 
and rest. Was you ever in our churchyard, your lady- 
ship ? ” 

Yes, of course I was,” said Lady Margaret. 

She gave a little shiver, for she remembered the 
stranger’s grave. 

^^Wull,” said the farmer, “there’s a till on one o’ 
the tombs. It were put up by the savings of a very 
poor woman. Her toiled and her toiled — and her toiled. 
Her never rested — no, not once, and at last, by the will 
of Providence, she were took. Her were forty-eight when 


94 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


she breathed her last; and us found enough money put 
away to bury she decent and put a little head-stone up to 
her, and the head-stone’s there in the churchyard for 
everyone to see. Her was a spinster woman, and maybe 
that fact added to the bitterness of her soul; but any- 
how, these were the words that her asked to have writ 
on her gravestone; and writ they be, in lead, so that 
they may never be washed away : ‘To the mournful 
memory of Sarah Jane Mason, aged forty-eight ’ ; and 
underneath is the following sentence as her had ordered 
to be writ; and it runs this way: “ I’ll never do nothing 
for ever and ever ! Amen.’ Them was her words, your 
ladyship, and there was a deal of meaning in them; 
and I often and often think of ’em and wonder what it 
’ud be like to lie flat out and have naught to trouble you 
until the resurrection trump.” 

This conversation was scarcely interesting to Lady 
Margaret. 

“ I shall soon be fifty myself,” she said ; “ and I 
don’t feel at all like doing nothing for ever and ever ; 
and as to you, Farmer Barfoot, you are a very stalwart 
big man, and have, if I am not greatly mistaken, another 
twenty years’ work in you.” 

The farmer shook his grizzly head. 

“ Without anxiety, of course,” said Lady Margaret, 
giving him a keen glance. 

“ ’Es, it’s the anxious thought as kills,” he remarked. 

“ That is so,” answered Lady Margaret. “ Well, now, 
I want to tell you something ; but first I must have your 
solemn word that you regard this conversation as pri- 
vate. I have a great deal of money.” 

“ Woe to them as is rich ! ” remarked the farmer. 

“ That altogether depends on whether the rich will 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


95 


help their neighbours or not. But listen to me. You 
maj or may not accept my offer. In case you refuse, 
I wish to keep the matter altogether quiet.” 

That’s fair enough,” said Barfoot. I can’t for 
the life of me think what you be a-drivin’ at, your lady- 
ship.” 

Well, to begin with, I want to help you as far as 
one human being can help another.” 

You want to help me ? ” said the farmer. You 
want to help us, you mean? You be fair took up with 
that blue-eyed maid, Oceana.” 

I am interested in a pretty girl for whom you did 
a great kindness.” 

Us couldn’t do no less, and it weren’t a kindness, 
for it was paid over and over again by the love her gived 
us, and by the pleasure us took in her. So that han’t 
worth mentionin’.”. 

She has told you, of course,” said Lady Margaret, 
that she is going in a fortnight’s time to a friend of 
mine — ^a Mrs. Huntingdon at Glenleven Lodge, near 
our place at Fanborough, in Yorkshire? Now, my 
good friend. Farmer Barfoot, I have my own reasons 
which I do not wish to explain to anybody for not wish- 
ing the girl to go to the Huntingdons.” 

And why ever for not ? ” asked the astonished 
farmer. 

I said my reasons were my own.” 

Ay, ay, and you has a right to keep ’em secret in 
your buzzom. There’s no one should pry into the 
private matters that consarn the soul of another.” 

Quite right ; what a sensible man you are ! Having 
my reasons, I want the matter to fall through naturally. 
I want to settle a sum of money on the girl, Oceana, 


96 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


on the sole condition that she goes immediately to 
Australia, or Tasmania, or some place equally far away. 
I will settle five thousand pounds on her if she goes 
away quietly, without fuss, and agrees to live out of 
England for the rest of her natural life ; and if you can 
manage this. Farmer Barfoot, I will set you up on your 
farm. I will pay your liabilities and make you a sound 
man once more. You can think over my proposal. A 
thousand pounds in your pocket after the farm is put 
right. That would quiet your anxious mind, would it 
not?” 

The man’s eyes brightened for a minute. Then they 
looked grey and gloomy. 

It’s a mighty powerful temptation,” he said ; “ the 
farm part be ; but as to the young girl as we drawed, so 
to speak, out of the sea, don’t her have a right to choose 
her own life ? Why should her be banished to the other 
side of nowhere at all ? ” 

My good man, forgive me ; you show your igno- 
rance. The girl will not be banished to nowhere at all. 
I have several friends in Tasmania and will give her 
endless introductions. She will have a right good time, 
and will probably marry young. The only thing is that 
she must leave the country.” 

And you don’t give no reason for this ? ” 

I give no reason whatever. If I choose to send 
the girl away and put you on your feet, I do it ; and the 
world may say what it likes ; but if you refuse my ofier, 
I trust to your honour not to tell anyone about it — ex- 
cept, of course, your wife, whom you will naturally con- 
sult over the matter.” 

And Oceana herself ? — ^bless her dear heart ! ” 

You will probably have to talk to her, but she can- 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


97 


not refuse — that is, if she is wise — ^the opportunity to 
help you and her foster-mother — to save you, in short, 
Farmer Barfoot, from ruin. She would be a very cold- 
blooded girl if she did otherwise. It isn’t easy for you 
to borrow a couple of thousand pounds, is it ? ” 

Nay, nay, the money’s a lot, and there’s no one who 
would help,” he replied. 

I do not lend it to you — I give it to you. You can 
start afresh. Not fifty yet ! My good man, you will 
live till seventy, and rejoice in your life and start your 
young folks well in the world, and your wife will be 
happy once more. Of course the girl must consent ; any 
girl with a spark of righteous feeling would consent to 
do at least that much for those people who have done so 
much for her.” 

’Tain’t the maid,” said the man; ^'her’m right 
enough. It’s — it’s other things. I’ll let you know 
after I’ve spoke to the wife. She’ll think on it. I’ll let 
you know the first minute I can.” 

To-morrow ? ” said Lady Margaret. 

To-morrow let it be,” said Barfoot. 

I shall be driving along this road myself in the 
pony carriage at this hour to-morrow. You can come 
to meet me; you can tell me then. The matter can be 
simply arranged — it’s a question of yes or no.” 

I will say good-morning now to your ladyship,” 
said Barfoot, and he turned and went very slowly homo. 

% 


CHAPTEK XII 


If Farmer Barfoot was troubled when he stood in his 
byre looking at the beautiful cows that were so quickly 
to be sold, it was nothing at all to the trouble which 
he felt as he slowly retraced his steps up the familiar 
path, along the steep rocks and crumbly ground, until 
he got to the little tract of avenue which surrounded the 
Bidge Farm. 

There was a man standing near the door, evidently 
waiting for him. 

Be you Farmer Barfoot ? ” he said. 

I be,” said the farmer. 

He scowled at the man, who was a weak-eyed, white- 
faced creature about half the size of himself. 

“ Then I have a writ to serve on you,” replied the 
man. It is for seventy-eight pounds, for corn and 
different things unpaid for by you to James Jewel, of 
Piers, in the High-street. He says that if you don’t 
pay, you has got to have the writ served. You can 
pay me now, and there’ll be nothing more about it, but 
if not, you has to appear in the county court in a fort- 
night from to-day, when there’ll be orders given that 
your things be sold to the amount of seventy-eight 
pounds. ” 

Sarve the writ, man — sarve the writ ! ” said Bar- 
foot, in a choking voice. 


98 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


99 


The man gave him the necessary formula, and then 
disappeared down the avenue. 

I hope to God Almighty that him’ll fall and kill 
hisself amid the boulders,” was the farmer’s first 
thought. Then he wiped his forehead, and stared 
stupidly at the writ. After a minute or two, he thrust 
it into his breast pocket, and went into the house. 

The inmates were very merry and cheerful. The 
cares which had pursued the poor farmer seemed to have 
left the house. Flossie and Dolly were in raptures with 
a pretty dress each which Ooeana had presented to them. 
They were wearing the dresses, and Oceana had done 
their hair in the fashionable Parisian style, and they 
were mincing about the great kitchen, and talking to 
each other as though they were ladies. 

Get out, you gels — ^get out ! ” said the irate farmer, 
“ and don’t make Tommy-fools o’ yourselves. You han’t 
ladies, so don’t ’e think it. It’s sarvin’ in places you’ll 
both be, and thankful for bite and sup, and a pound or 
two, hard-earned in the course o’ the year. Get out, I 
say — get out ! ” 

Why, Luke,” said his wife, who had been much en- 
joying the spectacle, us did think — Oceana and me — 
that you’d like to see your own flesh and blood dressed 
pretty just for once.” 

I be in no mood for folly,” said the farmer. Oceana 
had not been in the kitchen when he came in, but now 
she came downstairs. Dolly’s eyes were full of tears; 
Flossie was painfully red. 

Him don’t like us as fine ladies ! ” said Flossie, 
running up to Oceana, and kissing her. 

It was only a bit of a mummy show,” said Oceana. 

The things are yours, but take them off now, and don’t 


100 


OCEAi^A’S GIKLHOOD 


fret him. There’s a lot to be done upstairs, and he and 
mammy mine want to have a talk together; I can see 
it in his eyes.” 

If you’ll come ’long upstairs with us, Oceana. We 
don’t mind nothing else,” said Flossie. 

She linked her rough, strong arm through that of 
her foster-sister, and dragged her up the ladder-like 
stairs which led to Oceana’s bedroom. 

Show us some more of your fine things,” said 
Flossie. 

Oceana sat down on the side of the bed. A girl sat 
at each side of her. Flossie’s arms presently stole 
round her neck, and Dolly clasped her waist. 

You be like no one else,” she said. 

I love you,” said Flossie. Then Dolly said, in a 
timid voice, Be it true, Oceana, that we’s got to go 
out and work for our living, and be farm maids no 
more ? ” 

I don’t know,” said Ooeana. I’ll be able to help 
a good bit, but I don’t suppose I’ll be able to help alto- 
gether. I don’t know, though — I’ll make a good des- 
perate try. I want you both to be as happy as the day’s 
long.” 

You be the most beauteous maid ! ” said Flossie ; 

no airs, nor nothing. Ted says he never seed your 
like.” 

“ Ted ought to go right away,” said Oceana, far, 
far away, where he can buy a farm, and start on his 
own account. Why, my daddy and your daddy’s strong 
enough to do all the work; of course, with men under 
him, and you two girls to help. But Ted’s at a loose 
end here, and he ought to go away.” 

Flossie looked mysterious, and glanced at Dolly. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


101 


Dolly lowered her brown eyes. Both girls guessed at 
Ted’s frantic and foolish secret. He loved the maid 
who was drawn out of the sea. The one pleasure of 
his life was to be in her company. 

Go on telling us fairy tales,” said Flossie. Never 
mind trouble afore it comes. We were as full of it as 
an egg is full of meat; hut now we’re full to the brim 
with your stories. You so fine and yet so humble ! you 
so beauteous, and yet thinking naught at all of yourself. 
There were a time when I might have been a hit jealous 
of you, Oceana ; but that’s past.” 

Who could be jealous of such a lovely dear ? ” said 
the other girl, giving her foster-sister a frantic kiss. 


CHAPTER XIII 


Oceana began to talk of her school, and of the situa- 
tion she had got. The two Barfoot girls stood and stared 
at her. They were eaten up with admiration of her. 
They thought her the most lovely, the most beauteous 
maid that God had ever put into the world. She was 
conscious of their admiration, but what she was most con- 
scious of, and what most strongly appealed to her, was 
their love. They loved her, and she loved them — oh, 
so deeply — in return. The Barfoot family meant more 
to Oceana than all the great things of life, for the Bar- 
foots meant home, and home is beyond anything else 
to girls of Oceana^s type. 

Tell us — do tell us about your grand situation, 
Oceana,” said Elossie, stamping her foot impatiently. 

“ Oh, I daresay it will be very nice,” replied the girl, 
and I tell you what it is ; I shall be downright proud 
to earn my own living. I expect I shall save a lot, for 
I shall hardly want any money for clothes, for I — ” 
she flushed, frowned, hesitated — I have plenty, so 
the greater part of my salary will come here — here to 
my darling home ; and perhaps, after a time — of course 
there’s no saying when — I may be able to get an even 
higher salary, and so help daddy and mammy mine 
even more than I shall at present.” 

I has a thought, I has,” remarked Elossie, 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


103 


A thought ? ” answered Oceana, turning and look- 
ing at her. 

The contrast between the three girls was remarkable. 
The two Barfoots, although handsome according to their 
were essentially commonplace. They were stoutly 
built, with round, rosy cheeks and honest black eyes, 
low foreheads, and somewhat full lips. Oceana, on the 
contrary, was tall and straight as a young reed. Her 
jet-black hair looked wonderfully striking in opposition 
to her blue eyes and a complexion as fair as roses and 
lilies. 

Us has a thought,” said Flossie. ‘‘ I whispered it to 
Dolly last night; that is, after we heard that you had 
got that beauteous place, my bowerly maid.” 

And what is it ? ” asked Oceana, gently. 

Why, if what fayther says is right, and we’m 
ruined and must give up the farm, and us two must go 
to sarvice, couldn’t you find us a place in the house with 
you ? Housemaid’s work, or any sort at all, would suit 
us; even kitchenmaid’s work us’d do; us wouldn’t care, 
for us’d see you times and again. That’d be much 
better than going to Piers, or any place near to where 
us was known.” 

Oh, but I couldn’t possibly stand it,” said Oceana. 

To have my own darling sisters working as servants in 
the house with me ! Girls, it can’t be thought of for a 
minute. I think it would break my heart. I’d snatch 
the broom from your hands, Flossie, and the duster 
from yours, Dolly. I couldn’t stand to see my sisters 
working and I sitting by, a grand lady.” 

The girls’ bright faces fell. 

’Spect her’s right,” said Flossie, after a pause. 

Her’s always very wise, is our Oceana,” 


104 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


I couldn’t do it, my darlings,” continued Oceana ; 
but I tell you what — I’ll help you all I can, and if it 
really com^s to this, that you must really go into ser- 
vice, you shall be the two very nicest servants that were 
ever heard of, and you shan’t be in service long — that is, 
if I can prevent it.” 

You be a bowerly maid, and no mistake,” said 
Elossie. 

Meanwhile the farmer had sunk into the depths of the 
large wooden chair in which it had been his custom to 
recline, ever since he brought his wife, Mary, back to 
the Kidge Farm. 

Whatever’s up now ? ” she asked, as she stood near 
him and looked full into his face. 

He looked back at her. 

The truth is this, Mary. I’m tempted sore and 
awful — ess, sore and awful.” 

“ Well,” replied Mary Barfoot, there’s always the 
A’mighty to cry to in the hour of temptation. Ban’t 
likely you’d be happy, Luke, wi’ temptation gnawing at 
your heart; but men and women must come to it for 
sartain, if they’m to be complete and shine bright afore 
their fellow-creatures. It’s temptation resisted as brings 
out the gloss in the character, Luke. And our Maker’s 
stronger than any temptation; that’s what I think.” 

You’re a large-hearted female, Mary Barfoot,” 
replied Luke. But this is a matter beyond even you. 
I must go out and struggle with it all alone. I’ll tell 
you to-morrow morning which way my thoughts tend, 
and how my inclinations do go. Mayhap, I won’t be 
home at all to-night, but ’ull go and see a neighbour o’ 
mine with whom I haven’t had a tell for many a long 
day.” 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


105 


you thinkin’ of Jacob Field?” asked the wife. 

That be the man. You and the gels ’ull be happy 
together, and I’ll come back early in the morning and 
tell you true and faithful which way my thoughts do 
tend.” 

The farmer got up slowly and left the kitchen. His 
wife watched him as he departed. When he had quite 
disappeared from view, she stood still for a little, think- 
ing deeply within herself. 

It’s the partin’ wi’ the cows as is troublin’ his brave 
heart,” she thought ; “ but the Lord ’ull be merciful, 
and help to temper the wind to the shorn lamb.” 

She then set to work, and went on with her household 
(duties. Presently her voice was heard ringing out gay 
and hearty to the three girls to come and help her. They 
did so, and notwithstanding the absence of Luke and the 
fact that Ted, for some extraordinary reason, did not 
return home until late, the Barfoots and Oceana had a 
very happy evening. Oceana was tired, however, and 
went to bed early. The girls followed her example, and 
Mrs. Barfoot sat up alone waiting for her son. Her 
husband she did not expect. She knew that his neigh- 
bour, Jacob Field, would put him up. To tell the truth, 
the good woman felt almost relieved by his absence. He 
was the best husband in the world, but she knew well 
the advantage to him of being all alone, or, at any rate, 
away from the farm, if he wanted to fight out a tempta- 
tion. 

Mrs. Barfoot was not a curious-minded woman, and 
it did not enter into her head for a; minute to conjecture 
what Barfoot’s temptation might be’. That it was some- 
thing above the ordinary she made sure. 

But the Lord’s on His throne,” she said to herself. 


106 OCEAI^^A’S GIRLHOOD 

and Luke’s a righteous man, although I say it as 
shouldn’t.” 

Then she fell to thinking of Oceana, and wondering 
whether her beloved, her darling, was going to be happy 
in that new and grand home where she was to live in 
future. Whenever Mrs. Barfoot allowed her thoughts 
to wander to Oceana she forgot everything else in the 
rapture of love which filled her towards her maid of the 
sea. 

Soon after ten o’clock Ted came in. 

Whatever kept you out so late, my lad ? ” asked his 
mother. 

I was down to Piers,” replied the boy. 

He sank into a chair and looked gloomily before 
him. 

Have the maids gone to bed, mother ? ” he asked. 

If you mean your sisters and Oceana, they’ve all 
gone to bed some time ago. Oceana was tired out. But 
what ails you, Ted ? What is the matter ? ” 

Ted raised his black eyes and fixed them on his 
mother’s face. 

You ask me what is the matter,” he said. Is 
fayther anywhere round ? ” 

No ; your fayther han’t coming back to-night. 
He’s having a tell wi’ Jacob Pield. Ted, my boy, you 
ought to confide in your mother. I do ask you what is 
the matter, and what is more, I do want to know.” 

In one way, it han’t far to seek,” replied Ted. 

There’s ruin starin’ us i’ the face.” 

Not a bit of it ! ” said Mrs. Barfoot, while we’ve 
hands and feet and strong bodies and healthy brains. 
Don’t talk that mawkish stuff to me, Ted — and you a 
Barfoot” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


lOY 


But tbe farm must go,” said the boy. 

Perhaps,” replied Mrs. Barfoot. There came some 
additional wrinkles round her kindly brown eyes. 

And I don’t say as it won’t be sore parting from the 
old place, but all the same, there’s worse things than 
that. There are other places to live in besides the Kidge 
Farm; and if we’re together — why, we are together; and 
if we’re happy — ^why, we are happy.” 

But I han’t happy,” said Ted, and I can’t eat the 
bread of idleness, and — and — oh, mother, mother ! ” 
He buried his face in his two strong hands. I love 
that bowerly maid! I love her to madness! Why did 
you ever bring her back and call her my sister for years, 
and then show me that she worn’t ? Oh, mother, 
mother, mother ! ” 

The poor lad trembled from head to foot. Mrs. Bar- 
foot was neither shocked nor astonished. She drew 
her chair forward, and took Ted’s black head between 
her hands and drew it gently forward until it rested 
on her bosom. 

My own lad,” she said. And that is sore to hear.” 

Oh, mother,” he said — and he raised his bloodshot 
eyes — if I had but a chance to win her any time — any 
time, mother — I’d work my fingers to the hone ! ” 

Mrs. Barfoot was silent. Then she said, very gently, 
Ted, your fayther came to me to-day, and said that he 
was beset by an awful spell o’ the devil’s temptation; 
and I tolled him that the Lord God A’mighty was 
stronger than the devil, and there was no earthly reason 
why he shouldn’t conquer; and now I say the same to 
you. You must find work, my son, and you must think 
of a good maid far off in the future in your own class 
of life, and not have any more foolish feelings and mad 


108 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 


passions toward our blue-ejed maid, Oceana. For she 
ban^t for you, Ted — she banT for you.” 

I knew youM turn agen me,” said the lad, rising 
from his chair and pushing his mother’s comforting 
hands aside. And why han’t her for me, I’d like to 
know, if I can find a home for she ? Where ’ud she be 
now, but for you and my fayther ? ” 

That ain’t neither here nor there. Oceana’s a maid 
of high degree. She’s of high rank and a great heiress. 
Didn’t the stranger say so with his dyin’ breath ? ” 

Mother, can’t we forget all that ? We don’t know 
her rank, nor her real name, nor where her property is. 
She’s nought but a poor maid — just as poor as Flossie 
and Dollie ; and if I can win her, why shouldn’t I have 
her? Mother, mother, I am just mad for her — just 
mad.” 

Ted, my own boy, it’s my life I’d give for you 
gladly; but I can’t give you the bower ly maid, for she 
han’t for you; and as for saying even for a moment 
that she’s like your sisters and stands in the same place 
as they do, you know well t’ain’t true. You has but to 
look at her. In addition to that, she’s eddicated, and 
they’re not ; and she’s got a post now as companion with 
a lady and gentleman, and a hundred pounds a year as 
salary, and there she’ll mix with folks in her own set. 
You must give her up, Ted.” 

Well, I won’t,” he answered. I thought maybe 
you’d take my part. I’ll never give her up till she tells 
me she is married to another. Then, mayhap — ^then, 
mayhap — I must, I must. But not till then, mother, not 
till then.” 

Ted stumbled out of the room, very much as his father 
had done a few hours previously. He went up to his 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


109 


attic in a distant part of the house, and Mrs. Earfpo^ 
sat once more alone by the kitchen fire. It was very late 
before her heavy, soft step was heard ascending the 
creaking stairs. She was troubled for her lad and for 
her husband. But neither for husband nor for son 
would she willingly put Oceana out of her right place. 

Very early the next morning Earmer Barfoot came 
hack. But, early as it was, Mrs. Barfoot was down and 
about. She was bustling about, “ redding up,’’ as she ex- 
pressed it. The Barfoots might he in low water, but 
there was no evidence of such a catastrophe in that 
bright-looking kitchen on that bright summer’s morning. 
The brasses, the tins, the tinpots and pans shone like 
burnished gold or polished silver. There was an ap- 
petising smell coming from the hospitable range on 
which the good wife was preparing a liberal breakfast. 
The table was laid with a coarse hut snowy white cloth. 
The cups and saucers, the plates, the knives, the forks, 
the spoons were all in readiness for the meal, and by- 
and-by the young people came tumbling downstairs — ■ 
Ted, shamefaced and inclined to keep his eyes lowered, 
the two elder girls and the twins radiant and happy- 
looking ; and, last to appear on the scene, Oceana herself, 
in her plainest dress, hut looking as only she could look. 
The farmer had gone upstairs to wash his face and hands, 
hut now he took his accustomed place at the head of the 
hoard. 

For all Thy mercies. Lord, we thank Thee,” he said, 
using the accustomed formula which the children had 
heard ever since they could remember anything. 

Mrs. Barfoot put coffee on the table, and a great dish 
of bacon and eggs, also honey, jam, all sorts of home- 
made bread and delicious dairy butter. The meal pro- 


110 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


ceeded with the usual chatter, Oceana keeping up the 
spirits of the others and devoting herself in especial to 
the farmer, by whose side she sat. She insisted on feed- 
ing him with special tit-bits, and rallied him in a playful 
manner for being absent the whole of her second night 
at home. 

Did you have a good tell with Jacob Field, daddy ? ” 
she asked. 

A tell, my maid — not a good tell, but a tell for all 
that.” 

Ted raised his eyes and glanced at the girl. Then he 
looked away, stifling a groan. By-and-by he went off 
into the fields to his accustomed work. The girls set to 
helping their mother to wash up and put away, Oceana 
joining in the work as she had always done. Suddenly 
the farmer put his hand on Mrs. Barfoofis arm. 

Wife,” he said, come out into the big barn along 
of I. I must have my tell with you now.” 

Mrs. Barfoot pulled down the sleeves over her still 
comely arms, unfastened her apron and put it aside, 
gave quick directions to the very capable Flossie, and fol- 
lowed her husband out of doors. 

I wonder what that do mean ? ” said Flossie, and 
she looked at Oceana. 

Never mind,” said the other. 

Why do you say that, Oceana ? Why shouldn’t us 
mind ? ” 

We should never mind or be curious about what 
we’re not intended to know,” was Oceana’s answer. 

“ But I be,” said Flossie. I han’t made right, T 
’spect, and no more’s Dolly. We both want to know 
everything. We’re eat up with curiosity, Oceana.” 

Well, let’s hurry along now,” said Oceana, and 


OCEAl^A’S GIRLHOOD 


111 


get the work through. Daddy and mammy mine are in 
a hit of trouble, and the best way we can help them is 
to be as cheerful as we can, and do as much of the 
household work as is possible; for mammy mine — al- 
though she pretends never to fret about anything — has 
more wrinkles round her eyes than she used to have, and 
that can’t be allowed, girls — do you hear ? ” 

Oh, I hear fast enough,” said Flossie, but I don’t 
know how to prevent their coming.” 

Meanwhile, out in the big barn the farmer clutched 
his wife’s shoulder. 

Look you here, my woman,” he said, “ this is the 
temptation, and it grips me hard, and I can’t tell for 
the life of me whether it’s sent by an angel of light to 
deliver us all, or whether it’s offered to us by the Prince 
of Darkness. But this be it — no more and no less.” 

Well, out with, it, out with it,” said his wife. 

There’s nothing like relieving the mind by a full con- 
fession. Couldn’t Jacob Field comfort ’ee at all in your 
tell with him ? ” 

I didn’t let that out to him — not me,” said the 
farmer. I talked o’ many things — poverty and riches, 
and the queer ways o’ Providence, and the searchings of 
heart that come to a man as he begins to go downhill. 
But I didn’t talk o’ that — not I, not I.” 

I’m glad of that,” said Mrs. Barfoot. I’d rayther 
you tolled your own wife than anyone else on earth.” 

Well, it’s just this : grip hold of me, Mary, for 
you’ll turn a bit giddy with the thought of it. You know 
the fix we’re in, and how the farm must go, and the 
poor beasties must go, and the horses must go, and how 
we must all turn out, and I must take work, if I can 
get it, as a common labourer; and Ted’ll have no pros- 


112 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


pect in life, but must begin on the very bottom rung 
of the ladder ; and the girls — our girls — ’ull have to go 
into sarvice; and the twins — bless them! — ’ull have to 
go, too, when they’re old enough; and you, Mary, ’ull 
live in a labourer’s cottage, and give up your dicksee 
home and the comforts that are your’n by right.” 

Well, it’s a sour prospect,” said Mary Barfoot, 
‘^but if we keep together — ^why, there may be worse, 
say 1.” 

You don’t like the prospect, do you, wife o’ mine ? ” 

Can’t say I do, Luke — can’t say I do.” 

‘‘ You wouldn’t be altogether — altogether miserable, 
if there was a way out ? ” said the man. 

A way out ? ” was the reply. What do you mean 
by that?” 

‘‘ Why, a way to keep the farm, and the beasties, and 
the horses, and the old house — the roof-tree — over our 
heads, Mary; and the children, the gels, to marry all 
in good time farmers, like their father was afore them; 
no sarvice for any of ’em, and Ted to follow after me 
as owner of the Ridge Farm. That’s the sort of 
thing that I mean when I speak of a way out.” 

And that’s your ‘ devil’s temptation ’ ? ” said the 
wife, looking at him searchingly, her brown eyes very 
wide open, her face very tender, but at the same time 
very firm. 

“ I don’t say for a minute, not for a single minute, 
but it may be the leadin’ of an angel of light,” said the 
man. 

Well, let’s hear of it,” said the farmer’s wife. I 
suppose there’s a tell in it somewhere. You tell what it 
means, Farmer Barfoot.” 


CHAPTEK XIV 


It’s this way,” said Farmer Barfoot. I’ve 
twisted it round to the right, and I’ve twisted it to the 
left, and I’ve took it north, and I’ve took it south, and 
I’ve took it east, and I’ve took it west, and every way 
I’ve took it, it seems right and it seems wrong.” 

Poor man ! ” said Mary. Your brain’s a bit 
addled by it.” 

That’s it, Mary, that’s it. I’m addled, no doubt. 
You see, there are the cowses — the creatures — why, I 
love ’em almost like children — and the pigses and the 
fowls, and the ducks and the geese and the horses — I 
can’t even abear to think of the horses; and then there 
are the men on the farm, and — and — if it’s the devil 
that has offered me this thing, I’m in a sore plight, 
Mary, a sore plight.” 

Xow, come along and out with it,” said Mary Bar- 
foot. Us’ll soon see whether it’s the devil’s work or 
not.” 

Well, it’s this way. You mind that ffrand woman, 
Lady Margaret Manners ? ” 

Mind her ? ” said Mrs. Barfoot. If there’s any- 
one I am jealous of, it’s her.” 

You’ve no right to be that, Mary, for she’s done rare 
kindness for our maid, Oceana.” 

I don’t deny it, my man ; and it’s just for that very 
reason that I’m eat up with jealousy of her. She took 
8 113 


114 


OCEAI^A’S GIELHOOD 


our maid from us for long, long years, her as was drawn 
out o’ the sea. She thought to spoil her for us, but her 
couldn’t — her couldn’t; there’s no one could spoil our 
Oceana,” 

You love her very dearly,” said the farmer. 

Love Oceana ? ” said Mrs. Barfoot. ’Es, my man, 
I — love — her. There han’t no need to add to that nor 
to take from it ; I — love — her/^ 

I’ll get my tell out quick,” said the farmer. It’s 
this way. Yesterday, when I was moodin’ all by myself, 
who should come ’long the roadside in a pony carriage 
but this same Lady Margaret Manners. She’s staying 
at Piers Point with Sir Charles Dyke and his family. 
Her stopped when her saw me, and her spoke.” 

Her would,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Mary, you must take what her said without preju- 
dice, my woman. Her meant well, no doubt, hut her 
didn’t give her true reasons.” 

That being so,” said Mrs. Barfoot, her didn’t 
mean well. There’s no doubt on that point — my foot’s 
firm down on that point. Go on with yer tell, Luke.” 

It’s a sore and awful temptation,” said the farmer. 

Her doesn’t want our Oceana to go and live wi’ the 
folks as have offered her that fine post as companion. 
Her wants her — ^hold steady, Mary, hold steady — her 
wants her” — (the man was shaking so hard he could 
scarcely proceed) — her wants our bowerly maid to go 
right away across the sea to Australia, or Tasmania, or 
Hew Zealand, or some o’ them places, and — and — to 
stay there, and — land — her’ll give her five thousand 
pounds! And her says that so beauteous a maid ’ull 
marry soon and be happy.” • 

Mary stood perfectly still, just as though she were 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


116 


turned into stone. After a time she said, Well, 
where do the temptation come in ? How ’ull that affect 
us ? ” 

I’m cornin’ to that part, wife ; I’m cornin’ to that 
sore, sore part. Lady Margaret is rich, and her knows 
that we’m poor, and her offers to put me on my legs 
again, and pay off all my debts, and give me a thousand 
pounds to stock the farm proper, so that I can stay on 
here to the end o’ my days. That’s what her wants; 
that’s what her says her’ll do. It’s givin’ up Oceana 
and keepin’ the farm. That’s the temptation, Mary. 
That’s it. I ha’ looked at it north, south, east, and 
west, and I don’t know, I don’t know whatever to 
think.” 

But I do,” said Mary. Lady Margaret Manners 
is the woman who offered me thirty pounds for the 
little shirt that our Oceana had on when she were 
drawed out of the sea, and I said, ^ No, thank you,’ to 
my fine madam, just as I’d say ‘ No, thank you,’ to her 
to-day. Why, Barfoot — Barfoot — Luke, my old man — 
Luke, my hest man — -whyever did you keep this stowed 
away in your heart for close on twenty-four hours with- 
out telling the wife of your bosom? Luke, it’s the 
blackest temptation from the Father of Lies himself. 
There’s no lookin’ east, west, north, and south; there’s 
no way at all hut to turn your hack on it. ’Tis not to he 
done. LTs — banish our howerly maid at the will o’ that 
woman! I tell you what it he, Luke. That woman 
knows a thing about our Oceana that’s frightening the 
life out of her, or her wouldn’t make you an offer o’ 
that kind. There han’t no sense in it, Luke, my man. 
Give up the farm. Give it up ten thousand times 
rayther than banish our maid. What he the cowses, or 


116 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


the horses, or any o’ the creatures compared to the look 
in our girl’s blue eyes, and the tone of her voice, and 
the sweet, sweet face she’ve got ? Luke, there’s but one 
answer.” 

Then we must go ? ” said Luke Barfoot. You 
won’t agree to it, Mary ? ” 

Agree to it, Luke — agree to it ? I’d sooner have 
my tongue cut out. On the day you agree to that you 
and me part, that’s all. It’s a thing as can’t be done, 
and sh’an’t be done. Let the maid go to those fine 
folks, and let her be a thorn in the side o’ that woman. 
I have never liked the woman; I’ve always had my 
thoughts about her, and I believe if that poor stranger 
could rise from his grave he’d point at her and say, 
She knows the secret of Oceana.’ You don’t forget 
his words, do you, Luke, my man ? — ‘ She’s of high 
rank and a great heiress.’ Luke, my knife’s in that wo- 
man, from this out. I’ll follow her, and follow her, 
and wrest her secret from her — ^yes, I will, I will.” 

The farmer stood dogged and silent. He loved 
Oceana; he loved her loyally and faithfully, but he 
had not the deep affection for her which his wife had. 
Lady Margaret Manners had captivated him by her ap- 
parent kindness, and he was more or less disposed to 
think that there was some element of advantage in her 
offer. 

Well,” he said, shaking himself, as though he were 
a great spaniel just come out of the water, I have 
had my tell, and you’m agen it.” 

Agen it ! ” said Mrs. Barfoot. Don’t you ax me 
nothing more on that subject, I’ll go back now to the 
kitchen and attend to the dinner. While we’re here 
we must eat, and that’s the truth.” 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


IIY 


Yes, while we’re here we must eat,” responded 
Barfoot, in a shamefaced sort of way, and he walked 
out of the barn. Mrs. Barfoot stood and watched him 
for a few minutes. 

The Lord be thanked ! ” she said to herself. He’ve 
let it out at last, poor man. Well now, it seems to me 
as I’ve got a clue, and my mighty fine grand lady has 
gived herself away. The farm! What’s the farm com- 
pared to Oceana ! ” 

Meanwhile, Farmer Barfoot walked slowly, and in a 
dogged, half-cowed sort of manner, down the road to 
keep his appointment with Lady Margaret. He waited 
about, feeling very sheepish, oppressed, and silly. He 
longed to accept her proposal, and save himself and his 
family, and he wondered if he could make terms with 
the grand lady. If she would help him without insist- 
ing on the banishment of Oceana — if Lady Margaret 
Manners would do that, then his wife would have no 
cause to complain. He thought over this, and 
wondered if his very limited powers of speech would 
enable him to convey his meaning to this imperious 
woman. 

By-and-by she appeared in sight, driving the little 
pony herself. She drew up close to the farmer. 

Good-day, Barfoot,” she said. 

I wish your ladyship a good-morning,” was Bar- 
foot’s reply. 

Lady Margaret gave him a sharp glance out of her 
much-wrinkled and anxious face. 

Have you thought well over my offer ? ” she asked 
then. 

Yes, my lady ; and most kind do I think it.” 

Then you accept it, of course. That is all right.” 


118 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 


Ho, my lady ; I am sorry ’’ 

You mean to say that a man on the brink of ruin 
refuses an offer like mine ? ” 

That is it, my lady. IVe had a tell with that wife 
o’ mine, and her don’t hold with it at all — no, not at 
all.” 

Lady Margaret frowned for a minute, then she 
smiled. 

Perhaps I had better see Mrs. Barfoot myself,” 
she said. 

I think, my lady, that ’ud do no good at all. Her’s 
set agen you, and that’s the truth.” 

Lady Margaret smiled again, but this time her smile 
was somewhat sickly. After a minute’s pause she said : 

I cannot imagine what possible reason your wife has 
for objecting to me. I’ve spent a great deal of money 
on her adopted child.” 

That’s just it, my lady; and her didn’t love you any 
the more for a-doing of it. Her wanted our Oceana to 
be eddicated, that’s true enough; but her didn’t hold 
with you doing of the job. I may as well speak out, my 
lady.” 

Certainly, Barfoot; there’s nothing like plain 
speaking.” 

Well, this is how things be. Yesterday you come 
’long here, and you seed me, and you talked of my af- 
fairs, and you offered to put me on my feet and to give 
me a thousand pounds capital, and that meant — that 
meant ” — the man swallowed a lump in his throat — 
heaven to me, your ladyship.” 

Of course, poor fellow. Who would like to leave 
a place like the Ridge Harm? — a charming old place.” 

To keep the horses, and the beasties, and the roof- 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 119 

tree ’ud be heaven to me, your ladyship ; but you made 
a mighty hard condition with it.” 

Lady Margaret smiled very slightly. 

We never get our wishes for nothing in this world, 
Barfoot. Surely you are old enough to have found that 
out.” 

You axed a big price, your ladyship — a mighty big 
price.” 

Well, it rather puzzles me to know what you mean 
by that. I offered to send that pretty girl, who is no 
relation whatever of yours, to Australia. I could have 
put her under the care of friends of my own and given 
her five thousand pounds. She would have married well 
and been happy.” 

’Es,” said the farmer ; but us would have lost 

Oceana.” 

When your farm was free of debt, and you had 
everything under your own control again, you might 
have sold it and joined the girl in Australia — that is, if 
you are so devoted to her.” 

The man’s face brightened. 

I never thinked o’ that,” he said. But we’m main 
old to move. Lady Margaret.” 

Not at all. You and your wife are quite young, 
as youth goes in the present day. However, the ques- 
tion is this : Do you accept or decline my offer ? ” 

It must be ' No,’ your ladyship. It goes most bitter 
hard ; but it must be ^ No.’ In its fulness we can’t 
accept your ladyship’s kindness.” 

Very well ; on your own heads be your adversity. 
I have tried to help you, but you have refused my aid. 
You and your wife are very silly and, let me add, ex- 
ceedingly selfish. I know all about your family. You 


120 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


have a son and four daughters. Do you think nothing 
of their future ? ” 

My heart’s broke wi’ thinkin’ about them.” 

“ Yet for the sake of a girl who is no relation at all 
you let them suffer ; you bring them down in the world ; 
your crush their young lives.” 

It seems like it,” said the farmer, gloomily, but 
the wife won’t have nothing done to banish the bowerly 
maid.” 

But, my good man, you won’t see her while she lives 
with the Huntingdons.” 

But her’ll be in the same land. In sickness she 
could come to us, and in sorrow us could fly to her.” 

They’re exclusive, haughty people, not in the least 
in your set, and as to your having her to come to you — 
are you likely to have a roof -tree to cover her, or a bed 
to offer her ? ” 

You put it crool strong, your ladyship.” 

Now, on the contrary,” continued Lady Margaret, 
if Oceana goes to Australia or Tasmania, you can 
join her there, or, at any rate, live near her. It’s a 
new country, with great opportunities, and I would even 
add to my offer of a thousand pounds further capital 
in order to give you a start in a foreign country.” 

“ It is kind you are, your ladyship, but, as far as 
I can see, ’tis not to be done, and I may as well say 
now what the wife said to me — that you take an uncom- 
mon interest in that Oceana of our’n; and her means — 
her means to follow it up ; that is what her says.” 

Lady Margaret pressed her hand suddenly to her 
heart. Then she withdrew it again and looked across 
the sea. It was as blue as blue could be on that lovely 
summer’s morning. 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


121 


I don’t understand you,” she said, speaking hotly. 

But the farmer knew better, and began to think there 
was something in his wife’s words. After all, Mary 
was a very wise woman. 

“ Her’s got the maggot in her head,” he said, “ and 
when once my wife, Mary Barfoot, gets a notion like 
»that twirling in and out of her brain, her can’t let it 
go, but her works on it and works on it. You see, it was 
this way, your ladyship: when our maid was given 
to my wife by the stranger, afore he could say her name, 
he died; but he did say one thing — her’s of high rank 
and a great heiress, and my wife thinks that you know 
summat about her.” 

And that’s my reward for my great kindness to a 
girl who was an absolute stranger to me.” 

God forgive us for wronging your ladyship, if wrong 
we do; hut you did want to buy the little shirt. My 
Mary can’t get over that.” 

Lady Margaret was silent. 

You are both very silly people,” she said. Of 
course there’s no use in my repeating my offer. I’m not 
accustomed to have my benefits flung back in my 
face.” 

My wife thinks,” continued Barfoot, that her’ve 
got a sort of clue, just by means of you, my lady, and 
her means to follow it up.” 

What are you talking about ? ” asked Lady Mar- 
garet. But her voice shook as she spoke. 

I don’t know any more than what I say, your lady- 
ship. My wife — her says that her’ve got a sort of clue, 
that’s all, my lady.” 

Lady Margaret’s lips opened as though they would 


122 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


speak and say something very strong and scathing, but 
on second thoughts she kept back the words which 
crowded to her lips. She bowed very stiffly to the 
farmer, whipped up her pony, and returned to Piers 
Island. 

There she met Sir Charles Dyke, who looked pre- 
cisely as he did at the opening of this story. To all 
appearance not a year had passed over his kindly figure 
and pleasant face. He greeted Lady Margaret with 
his accustomed affection. 

Well, Margaret, and how goes the world ? ’’ 

About as usual,’’ she replied. 

Brightly — well, eh ? ” was the baronet’s next re- 
mark. 

I can’t say, Charles, that it goes either brightly or 
well for me.” 

What is the matter, my dear cousin ? You look very 
careworn. My wife has remarked it. You look too old 
for your years, Margaret. You are by no means an old 
woman.” 

I am forty-eight,” was the reply. Yet I might 
be sixty or seventy as far as my feelings are con- 
cerned.” 

And what is worrying you now ? ” 

One thing in especial. You know my girh’^ 

Margaret. Of course I know her.” ^ 

And you realise that I have given up my life to her 
and to Percival. Ho mother has ever been more de- 
voted.” 

I can answer for that,” said Sir Charles in a hearty 

tone. 

I jsndeavoured to give Margaret the very best edu- 


OCEAl^TA’S GIKLHOOD 


123 


cation in the world. I took her abroad, as you know, 
and broke up our home at Fanborough for some 
years. Now Percival and I are going back to live 
there.’’ 

And Margaret — of course she will accompany 
you ? ” 

That is just it. She won’t. In short, my dear 
Charles, she is one of those miserable beings — a modern 
woman. She is severely bitten by the suffrage craze, 
and as she has plenty of money of her own she intends 
to take a flat in London and devote herself, as she ex- 
presses it, to the cause of women.” 

She doesn’t, I suppose, consider that her mother 
requires any of her time,” said Sir Charles. 

Oh, no,” said Lady Margaret, with great bitterness ; 

mothers are altogether forgotten — that is, old mothers 
like myself — by the modern women of the present 
day.” 

Well, I am sorry for you ; but surely you can in- 
fluence her ? ” 

“ I can’t, and, what is more, I don’t want to. She 
hates society; she declares her firm intention is to live 
a single life ; she wishes for the stress and strain, as she 
calls it, of modem London life; and she will have her 
way. There’s no good in fighting a lost cause, Charles. 
I have practically to give Margaret up.” 

Well, I must say it is very hard on you,” said Sir 
Charles. 

Lady Margaret was silent for a minute. Sir Charles 
Dyke watched her face. He guessed that there was 
another anxiety even greater than the one she felt 
with regard to her daughter, Margaret. After a minute, 
she said: ^^By the way, I have been hearing rather 


124 OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 

sad accounts of those good-natured people, the Bar- 
foots.” 

Yes, they are in money difficulties,” said Sir 
Charles. I am afraid Barfoot will have to sell his 
farm. Times have been very bad for farmers for years 
past — a succession of poor harvests. Oh, I needn’t 
worry you, Margaret, with describing the sort of thing ; 
but I fear those poor people will have to go. I am truly 
sorry for them. They’re good, decent, respectable folk ; 
and Mrs. Barfoot, in particular, is one in a thousand. I 
shall never forget her great kindness to that poor little 
child who was cast up by the sea on our shores some 
years ago.” 

I also remember kindness in that instance,” re- 
marked Lady Margaret. 

Again she was silent, thinking very deeply. 

You have been very kind to Oceana,” resumed Sir 
Charles. 

I have done my little best for her. I have edu- 
cated her,” remarked the lady. 

I hear she is at the farm at present,” said the 
baronet. 

I believe so,” replied Lady Margaret. Then she 
added, suddenly : But don’t let us talk about her ; 

she is a queer girl — strange — unnatural. I have done 
what woman could for her, and she profited by the 
benefits I have bestowed on her. ITevertheless, she has 
no love for me ; and, to be frank, she is the sort of girl 
I should always detest. I understand, however, that 
she has got a very good post as companion to a neigh- 
bour of mine, so I may possibly be forced to see her 
in the future. What I want to say now is this. Sir 
Charles: I want you to help Barfoot to stay on at the 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


125 


Ridge Farm. You can whisper to him, if you like, 
that I am the good fairy of the occasion, or you can 
leave it alone. Don^t spend more money than is neces- 
sary, but keep him at the farm.^^ 

Why?” asked Sir Charles. 

I wish it ; I respect the man and his wife.” 


CHAPTEK XV 


On the day before Oceana was to leave the Barfoots 
and take np her abode at Glenleven Lodge, with Mr. 
and Mrs. Huntingdon, she received a letter from that 
lady enclosing a cheque for twenty-five pounds — her 
first quarter’s salary paid in advance. The letter which 
accompanied the cheque was short, but very kindly. 
Mrs. Huntingdon hoped that her new adopted child, as 
she spoke of Oceana, would be happy with her, assur- 
ing her of a pleasant welcome on her arrival at the 
Lodge. 

But Oceana hardly read the words of the letter. She 
was so delighted to receive the money that she rushed 
up to Mammy Barfoot and thrust the cheque into her 
hand. 

There ! ” she said ; there ! I don’t know what’s 
happening to you and father, and you won’t tell me; 
but, mammy mine, here are my very first earnings, and 
they are all for you. Mrs. Huntingdon has sent me 
enough money for my fare to Yorkshire besides; but 
all this is for you. Oh, the joy! the joy of giving it 
to you ! ” 

Mrs. Barfoot cried when Oceana thrust the cheque 
into her hands. When she could find her voice she re- 
fused to accept the princely gift. But Oceana was so 
terribly unhappy at this that the good woman’s heart 

126 


OCEAXA’S GIELHOOD 


127 


melted within her, and finally she consented to share 
Oceana’s first quarter’s salary with her, keeping twelve 
pounds ten shillings for herself, and returning the same 
sum to the girl. 

It’s a lot better than naught,” said Mrs. Barfoot 

Twelve pounds ten means a heap o’ money in these 
hard times. But I couldn’t lie easy in my bed, my 
dinkie maid, if I thought ’ee wasn’t having a penny 
in your pocket to come back to me sudden-like, if you 
wished.” 

Mammy mine,” said Oceana, “ did you ever have 
feels — 'deep, deep feels down in your heart ? ” 

“ Ay, that I have,” replied the woman, ‘‘ over and 
over and over.” 

“ Well, I’m made that way, too. I have my feels, 
and they’re terribly deep. You think you are going to 
leave the Ridge Farm; but my feel is that you will 
stay on — ^you and father.” 

“ E’onsense, child ! What are you thinking of ? ” 
replied Mrs. Barfoot, turning white. 

I am thinking you will stay on,” repeated the girl. 

The cows weren’t sold, you know, and the horses are 
still here, and so are all the other beasts ; and I’m think- 
ing that I’ll come to see you — maybe at Christmas, 
maybe next summer. It’s a think I have, mammy mine. 
And now I must run upstairs and pack.” 

Mrs. Barfoot stood and pondered. Presently, she 
went outside and sought the bam where Barfoot, dur- 
ing these sorrowful days, spent so much of his time. 
She found him standing by one of the windows. He 
was whistling softly under his breath. When he saw 
his wife he turned and faced her. His ruddy cheeks 
were scarlet. 


128 


OCEAISrA^S GIKLHOOD 


It’s only me, Luke,” she said, in her pleasant tone ; 

and what-tever should you blush for like a maid when 
your old wife comes along? What’s up, Luke? You 
have had your tell. You han’t smote with another 
temptation o’ the devil ? ” 

“ I^ot I,” said Barfoot, speaking this time in a 
cheerful tone. “ To tell ’ee the truth, wife, it’s a’most 
too good to he true.” 

What’s too good to he true ? ” 

Well, it’s this way. I was sent for yesterday to 
Piers Island ” 

Mrs. Barfoot was not the woman to interrupt a nar- 
rative; but as Barfoot evidently expected her to speak, 
she said, ’Es,” and folded her hands solemnly. 

Sir Charles spoke to me. We had a long tell to- 
gether, and Sir Charles — ^he — he made it possible for 
me to stay on at the Bidge Earm by offering to lend 
me the money I want. I must say I think it is dinky 
kind of him, that I do. I couldn’t believe it yesterday ; 
I was all in a swelter like — so giddy in the head, I 
could scarce stand.” 

Then the maid was right,” said Mrs. Barfoot, in 
a tone of mingled astonishment and delight. 

What maid?” 

- Need you ask, Luke ? Our bowerly maid — Oceana 
of the sea.” 

And what did the maid say ? ” 

She said that she had a think down deep in her 
heart — or a feel, as she called it — that us wasn’t going. 
How, Luke, my man, come forward to the light.” 

What-tever do you want to stare at me for ? ” said 
the farmer, speaking brusquely. 

Well, stay where you be ; I don’t want to pry. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


129 


WeVe been man and wife now for over twenty year, 
and during all that time never once has my true man 
told a lie to me, his wife. There’s no favour I wouldn’t 
take, and gladly, from the hands of a kindly man like 
Sir Charles ; hut if it be that it comes in any way 
through that woman. Lady Margaret, why, to tell you 
the truth, Luke, I’d a sight rayther leave. That woman’s 
after mischief, or I’m much mistook.” 

For all you’re so broad-minded in some ways, Mary 
Barfoot,” replied her husband, you’m the narrowest 
female I ever met in t’other ways. The woman has 
done you no harm, nor Oceana either, for that matter.” 

Have she, or have she not anything to do with 
this ? ” asked Mrs. Barfoot. 

Here Barfoot stamped his foot. 

It’s a matter that’s arranged between Sir Charles 
Dyke and me ; and the ^ whys ’ and the ‘ where- 
fores ’ of it aren’t to be revealed even to the wife of my 
bosom.” 

Then there’s a secret atween you an’ me ? ” 

Have it so, Mary ; if you think of it in that light ; 
but on no other terms can I keep the Ridge Farm. I 
never told a lie yet, and I’m not telling one now. All 
I say is that I can stay, and you can stay, and the maids 
can marry in their o^vn station of life, and Ted can 
do well for hisself, for better times are looming in the 
distance; and you and me, Mary, my woman, can 
sit by the old hearth when we’m too tired to do aught 
else. But as to saying more — ^why I can’t, and that’s 
flat.” 

You’ve said enough. Farmer Barfoot,” said his wife, 
and she went back to the house. 

That afternoon she helped Oceana to pack. She also 
9 


130 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


looked once again at the little sea-stained shirt. Then 
she put it carefully away with a grim smile. Her 
thoughts were her own. 

When Oceana went to hed that night, her foster- 
mother went upstairs to sit with her. The moonlight 
was falling over Oceana^s pretty face, as it had done 
years and years ago when she first received the terrible 
news that she was not a true Barfoot after all. She 
was a lovely girl now, and the light of the moon en- 
hanced her beauty, giving it an almost unnatural 
radiance. 

Well, my maid, you^m going out into the world to- 
morrow,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Oh, mammy, never mind,” said the girl almost im- 
patiently. I’ll be in England, after all ; and what is 
England when you’ve been in Paris for so long ? And — 
and — ^mammy, was I right in my feel — that feel I have 
deep down in my heart ? ” 

You won’t mention it to a soul. Things han’t quite 
settled yet,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Ho, I won’t mention it,” said Oceana. 

Well, it is true, then, or nearly true. You are 
wonderful, my maid of the sea. You are different from 
anybody else. Your faytber has a friend who’s helping 
him in his hour of need, and us don’t think it likely 
now that we’ll have to leave the Ridge Farm.” 

Then I am happy,” said the girl, clapping her 
hands. Oh, how glad I am. And Flossie and Dolly 
needn’t go out as servants, and I can come back to the 
idarling old house, and sleep once again in this dearest 
room in all the world. Oh, mammy mine, you will be 
cheerful now, and happy, won’t you 1 ” 

I’ll try to be, my maid.” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


131 


But you are not happy,” said the girl, twining her 
arms round the woman’s neck. “ There’s something 
troubling you, best of hearts.” 

“ It’s naught — it’s naught, my maid. I’m the sort 
of person what can’t help fretting when I’ve to part from 
one like you.” 

Oceana lay very still with her head on Mammy Bar- 
foot’s breast. 

Mammy,” she said, who’s the person who is help- 
ing father ? ” 

He won’t say.” 

Oceana remained very silent. 

You guess, do you, mammy ? ” 

I guess,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Again Oceana was silent. Then she said, quietly, 

I guess, too.” 

The next day, at an early hour, she started on her 
journey to Yorkshire, and arrived at Glenleven Lodge 
rather late in the evening. Compared with Barfoot’s 
Farm, Glenleven was the very home of modern luxury. 
It was a fair-sized house, with a gabled front, large 
grounds surrounding it, and somewhat low, wainscotted, 
cheerful rooms. 

Mrs. Huntingdon came forward herself to meet 
Oceana as she stepped out of the carriage which had 
been sent to meet her. 

Welcome, dear, welcome,” she said. 

Thank you so very much, Mrs. Huntingdon,” re- 
plied the girl. 

Mr. Huntingdon came out of his study. 

“ How do you do ? ” he said. 

We want to know,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, as she 
led the way into a very pretty boudoir where tea was 


132 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


prepared, if we may call you Oceana. Somehow or 
other we can’t say Barfoot; it’s a difficult name.” 

“ Everyone has always called me Oceana,” was the 
reply, and I know you mean to be kind and you will 
he kind, so, of course, you may.” 

And is this gracious permission extended to me ? ” 
asekd Mr. Huntingdon, with his most charming smile. 

Oceana looked full at him with her blue eyes. 

Of course,” she replied, simply. 

I will take you myself, dear, to your room,” said 
Mrs. Huntingdon, when the girl had finished her tea. 
“ Are you ready to come now ? ” 

Yes, I should like to unpack before dinner.” 

“ My maid, Davis, will do that for you.” 

Your maid, Davis — ^your maid ? ” 

Yes, I have arranged that she is to wait on you as 
well as on me.” 

I don’t think I shall like that,” said Oceana. 

At school, of course, we all did as everyone else did. 
But at my dear true home I did a lot of the waiting, 
and so did my foster brothers and sisters.” 

We trust you will look on this house as your home 
in future, Oceana,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, preceding 
the girl up the wide shallow stairs, and conducting her 
the next moment into a very pretty room wainscotted in 
white with pale blue draperies. Even Oceana, not 
given to express her feelings, except when deeply moved, 
was struck with the lovely room and glorious landscape. 
She ran to the window, which was wide open, and 
looked out. 

Oh, what a view ! how charming ! ” she said. And 
is this to be all my ovui ? ” 

Yes, all your ovm,” said Mrs, Huntingdon, smiling 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 133 

with delight at the girFs pleasure. And I chose these 
blue draperies to match your eyes.” 

Oceana laughed. 

You haven^t half seen your possessions yet,” con- 
tinued Mrs. Huntingdon. This room opens into 
another, which is also all your own. Come this way, 
dear.” 

Oceana followed her frail and gentle little hostess. 
She found herself in a beautiful little boudoir, furnished 
quite in the modern style, and with the same lovely 
view and the same curious and becoming blue effect 
in the decorations. 

“ Here you can write and read, and work and think. 
Ho one will disturb you when you are in this room,” 
said Mrs. Huntingdon. And now, one word more. 
Please remember that my husband and I are a lonely 
and childless couple, and that we regard your advent 
here very much as the return of our own daughter back 
from school. We have never had a daughter, alas 1 but 
we have often and often dreamed of one, and we both 
think that we have dreamt of a girl like you; so you 
will try to be good to us, and to feel that you are really 
at home, and doing a very good work for a lonely pair.” 

Oh, you are kind ! ” said the girl. Her sympathies 
were touched, her warm heart roused. “ Let me kiss 
you ! ” she added, impulsively. “ I will indeed do my 
very best ; but you can never, never — ^please understand, 
once and for all — ^be a mother to me, for I have a 
mammy all my own, and a father, too. But you can 
come close to my heart, and I will do my very best, yes, 
my very best for you.” 

Oceana’s very best was something to be respected, ad- 
mired, loved and treasured. She was a girl of great 


134 


OCEAISTA’S GIKLHOOD 


capabilities. She was also singularly adaptable. At 
the Ridge Farm she could help Mammy Barfoot and her 
foster brother and sisters, and do any amount of rough 
work, preserving at the same time a dainty and charm- 
ing appearance. Oceana was the sort of girl who, with- 
out intending, took the lead wherever she happened to 
be. She had taken the lead from the very first at the ’ 
Ridge Farm. The same thing had occurred in the 
different schools where Lady Margaret had sent her to 
he educated. In Paris, for instance, the other girls 
were all devoted to her. Her rule was a very gentle one, 
but it was assured, quiet, and gracious. Now, uncon- 
sciously, and without in the least intending it, she 
began to rule the Huntingdon household. Neither Mr. 
nor Mrs. Huntingdon had the most remote idea that 
she was doing so. Oceana herself had no conception 
that she was ordering the ways of this very charming 
establishment. Nevertheless, she had not been a week in 
the house before her wishes were consulted and her 
desires gratified to any extent. She had not been a 
week in the house, either, before she came across 
Percival Manners. 

He rode over from Fanborough to see the Hunting- 
dons. Oceana was out in the garden picking flowers 
for the dinner-table when Percival came riding up. 

He was a handsome youth, with a pleasant expression 
of face. Oceana glanced at him, did not recognise 
him in the least, and went on happily with her em- 
ployment. After a time, having completed her task, 
she went into the house. She put her basket of flowers 
on a marble slab, and was about to take a number of 
vases from a cupboard close by, when she heard Mrs. 
Huntingdon calling her. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


135 


Oceana, I want you, dear.” 

The girl took off her gardening apron, smoothed down 
her dress, slipped off the gloves which she was wearing 
to protect her hands, and went at once into the drawing- 
room. Percival was standing near the hearth. 

Oceana, I want to introduce you to our nearest 
neighbour and very good friend, Mr. Percival Man- 
ners.” 

Oceana found herself colouring. Her blue eyes 
shone with intense brightness. She bowed stiffly and 
then sat down on the nearest chair. Her whole manner 
and attitude showed marked displeasure. Mrs. Hunt- 
ingdon, for the first time since the girl’s arrival, felt 
annoyed with her. She tried to say something pleasant 
to Percival, who scarcely responded, for his dark, beau- 
tiful, somewhat pathetic eyes were fixed on Oceana’s 
face. A sort of instinct told Mrs. Huntingdon that she 
had better leave the young people alone. She accord- 
ingly made an excuse to go into the garden. Oceana 
sprang up to accompany her. 

“ You must have my arm ; you are weak. You must 
lean on me,” she said. 

No, no, dear ; I prefer to be alone. Please enter- 
tain Mr. Manners for a minute or two, Oceana ; I want 
to speak to one of the gardeners. I shall be back again 
directly.” 

Oceana turned, pouting as she did so, she stood with 
her back to the light. Percival gave a slight laugh. 

“ You are Oceana of the Cave,” he said. I have 
never forgotten you. You were frightfully rude to me 
when you were a little girl, but now that you are a 
grown-up woman, you surely won’t keep it up, will 


136 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


I shall be civil to you, of course,” said Oceana. 
Percival was silent for a minute. 

Are you aware of the fact that my property adjoins 
Glenleven, and that we are hound, whether we like it 
or not, to meet almost every day ? Are you also aware 
of the fact that I am always in and out here ? ” 

I have not seen you until to-day,” said Oceana. 

“ I have been detained in London ; but I am back 
here now for the season, and so is my mother, and I 
have just come to invite Mr. and Mrs. Huntingdon and 
you to dine with us to-night at Eanborough. You will 
all come, won’t you ? ” 

She looked at him in a puzzled way. 

Mrs. Huntingdon has accepted for you,” continued 
Percival. 

To be frank with you, Mr. Manners, I would much 
rather not come.” 

But Mrs. Huntingdon and my mother and I would 
much rather you came.” 

I have nothing to say to your mother ; but, of course, 
what Mrs. Huntingdon wishes, I shall do. I am her 
paid dependent. She is very, very kind to me, and 
tries to make me forget all that sort of thing; but, of 
course, I can’t quite forget, and if she wishes me to 
come, I will come.” 

Percival laughed. 

You are a strange girl,” he said. There are few 
girls in your position who would act as you are doing; 
but as a matter of fact, I don’t mind how you act, pro- 
vided you come. I want to show you the old place; it 
will interest you tremendously. You are fond of 
pictures, are you not ? ” 

I took every possible opportunity I could when in 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


137 


Paris to visit the Louvre/’ replied the girl ; and 
sometimes I have gone to the Luxembourg, but I have 
no very wide acquaintance with pictures.” 

‘‘We have some wonderful old originals at Ean- 
horough,” was the young man’s reply. “ Now listen, 
Miss Barfoot ; let us make a sort of compact. You don’t 
like me.” 

Oceana nodded emphatically. 

“ And you don’t like my mother.” 

A still more emphatic nod. 

“ Now, it’s my private opinion that my mother would 
like you, if you would be decently civil to her, and I, 
strange to say, like you even though you are exceedingly 
rude to me. Now suppose our compact is this: that we 
are outwardly polite, that we don’t snap at each other 
in public. I, liking you, keep my feelings to myself; 
you, hating me, keep your feelings to yourself. It seems 
to me that such a mode of proceeding is only fair for 
the sake of your kind friends, the Huntingdons.” 

“ I suppose it is fair,” said Oceana. “ It would be 
ridiculous to make a fuss every time we met. Only I 
don’t care for the compact, all the same,” she added. 


CHAPTER XVI 


I HAVE succeeded in inducing the Sea Xymph to 
give us her company this evening/^ said Percival Man- 
ners, as he entered one of the stately drawing-rooms at 
Eanborough, and encountered his sister, who was pour- 
ing out tea. 

The Sea Xymph ? ” said Margaret, raising her 
swarthy face and looking with her curious eyes full at 
her brother. 

Yes, of course ; you know who I mean, Margaret. 
Even though you are going to London next month, you 
canT have lived with mother all these years without 
hearing of Oceana of the Sea.’’ 

Margaret gave a somewhat impatient sigh. 

I have heard of a girl,” she said, who, as far as 
I can make out, has worried the mums a good bit. The 
mums has been specially kind to her, educating her 
free, and the little snappy, rude thing has taken it all in 
the worst possible spirit. If I have heard that her name 
was Oceana, the fact slipped my memory. Why is she 
coming to dine % Who is she coming with ? ” 

The Huntingdons, of course. Mother sent me 
round with a note this morning.” 

Oh, well, I shall be glad to see th&m/' said Mar- 
garet ; but what has she to do with the Huntingdons ? ” 

She is companion to Mrs. Huntingdon.” 

Oh, I see. I didn’t know that companions were 
asked to dine out.” 


138 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


139 


Margaret, don’t be ridiculous. Don’t put on those 
horrid airs; they don’t suit you a bit. Once you see 
Oceana, you will be quite alive to the fact that she is 
worthy to dine anywhere, and although she calls herself 
Mrs. Huntingdon’s companion, they’ve taken such a 
! fancy to her that she is much more like their adopted 
child than otherwise. Anyhow, you’ve got to make the 
best of it, for she is coming to dine, and by the mother’s 
special invitation.” 

Here comes the mums,” said Margaret. Mums, 
sit down in this easy-chair, old dear, and do for heaven’s 
sake tell me why you have invited Mrs. Huntingdon’s 
companion to dine here to-night ! ” 

Is she coming ? ” asked Lady Margaret, fixing her 
eyes on her son’s face. 

She didn’t want to,” was the quick reply ; but 
she is coming. I have settled it.” 

You don’t mean to say, mums, that you asked her 
— you ashed her to come ? ” repeated Margaret Man- 
ners. 

Well, dear, I have always taken an interest in the 
girl. I educated her, you know. I am curious to see 
her again. She has had a good education, and I expect 
will know how to behave. Then the Huntingdons are 
quite charmed with her, and we must do what we can 
to please our nearest neighbours. T!hey wouldn’t like 
us to leave Oceana out.” 

What a queer name — Oceana! And what else is 
she called ? ” 

Barfoot — Oceana Barfoot.” 

A hideous combination ! ” said Margaret. 

She has had a story, you know, Mags,” said her 
brother. Nobody really knows what her true name is. 


140 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


But the Barfoots rescued her from a great shipwreck. 
The Barfoots are Devonshire farmers, and they brought 
the child up as their own. Then mother here, the best 
of mothers, saw her and took a fancy to her, and had her 
educated, and now she is living at the Huntingdons’, 
and the Huntingdons are delighted with her, and she 
is coming to dine here to-night.” 

Well, I don’t care if you don’t,” said Margaret. I 
am not interested in these waifs and strays. By the 
way, mumsy dear, I got a letter this morning from my 
friend, Fanny Gregg, about a most suitable fiat in town. 
I want to take one in a part where women work. There 
will be no play in my future life, whatever else there 
may be. So I’ve decided to go to the Fairfield Build- 
ings, in Tottenham-court-road. The flats there are mod- 
erate in price, and I shall be with women who are 
earning their bread and struggling for the Great Eman- 
cipation. There’s a restaurant downstairs where I can 
have my meals, and I shall do my own housework. It 
won’t be very difiicult; in fact, I shall quite love it. 
My flat will consist of a tiny bedroom, a still tinier 
sitting-room, and a bath-room. I shall pay for these 
luxuries thirteen shillings a week, and shall buy suitable 
furniture to put into the rooms.” 

Oh, my dear Margaret, how perfectly awful of 
you ! ” said her mother. You, with all your wealth, 
to live in Tottenham-court-road, and in a sort of work- 
man’s building! You to take rooms for thirteen shil- 
lings a week, and to furnish them yourself, and have 
your meals at a restaurant ! It really breaks ray heart.” 

Well, it mends mine,” said Margaret Manners. I 
feel so cheerful that I can even stand that mermaid 
or Sea Nymph to-night.” 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


141 


We can at least give you furniture, Mags,” said 
her brother. ‘‘ There must be no end of furniture knock- 
ing about in a great house like this.” 

Thanks awfully, Percy, but I wouldn’t touch the 
Fanborough furniture. It would be altogether too 
, grand, too big, too unsuitable. I want a little deal table, 
and deal chairs, and the plainest little iron bedstead 
with a chain spring mattress. I am not going to live 
amongst my sisters and put on any airs of luxury; that 
I can assure you, mums and Brother Percy, so you’d 
best know the truth at once.” 

You’re a very aggravating girl,” said Lady Mar- 
garet. She stirred her tea thoughtfully, and presently 
went out of the room. At another time she would have 
been terribly annoyed at Margaret’s perverseness; at 
her strong determination, not only to leave Fanborough, 
but to go and live practically as a working woman in 
London. But she was thinking now of Oceana, and 
wondering what her own feelings would be when she 
met the girl face to face. So far, things had gone 
tolerably well with Lady Margaret. The Barfoots had 
not left the Ridge Farm. It was terrible to think of 
Oceana being established at her very doors. But she 
still hoped against hope to get the girl away by some 
means or other, and in the meantime she must be kind 
to her, even friendly to her. She must endeavour to 
find out where her heart was placed. A girl who could 
receive such favours as Oceana had received, and show 
no spark of gratitude, was truly an anomaly. But Lady 
JMargaret felt confident that, having won that strong 
yet wayward heart, she might do with the Sea Nymph 
as she pleased. She partially suspected that her son 
took a deeper interest than was advisable in the blue- 


142 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


eyed girl ; but she was not going to trouble herself about 
this at present. Percival, as far as she knew of his 
life, was always falling in love, and then forgetting the 
object of his devotion for some nearer and more at- 
tractive fair one. Lady Margaret, however, knew very 
little of the young man’s long-standing and romantic 
attachment to the mermaid of the cave, whose rude 
words and fascinating appearance he had never for- 
gotten. 

You will enjoy your little party, won’t you, my 
love ? ” said Mrs. Huntingdon to Oceana, as the two 
were having tea together in the cheerful best drawing- 
room. 

Oceana looked thoughtful. Then she said in a low 
tone. I said I’d go with you, dear Mrs. Huntingdon, 
and I will ; but I would rather you asked me to-morrow 
whether I enjoyed myself than that I should tell you 
right away that I am going to do so.” 

‘‘ But how can you help it, my dear child ? The 
Mannerses are the most charming people. Percival has 
been more or less like a son to us for years, and Lady 
Margaret has been good to you.” 

Oh, yes, I have heard that very often,” said Oceana, 
with an impatient sigh. 

Mrs. Huntingdon looked at her 'protegee in a puzzled 
way. 

“ You have a very affectionate heart, have you not, 
Oceana ? ” she said, after a pause. 

Those I do love I love deeply,” was the girl’s 
answer. Her face became thoughtful, earnest and 
pained. 

You love those people in Devonshire — those farmer 
folk who brought you up ? ” 


ocea:n^a’s giklhood 


143 


With a great love,” said Oceana. Her beautiful 
eyes filled with tears as she turned away. After a 
minute she said, ‘^Please don^t speak of them, for it 
hurts. They are my very own ; no one else in the wide 
world can be my very own again.” 

“ You have been charming to me since you came, my 
dear little girl.” 

I hope I have. I have tried to be, and I like you 
much — very much.” 

‘‘ My husband and I hope you will do more than 
like us. We hope you will love us, Oceana.” 

Perhaps I shall,” she replied, with that slow, sweet 
smile breaking over her face which only came at rare 
intervals. 

“ How happy I shall be, my dear, when you tell me 
that you love me ! ” 

I wonT tell you before the love comes,” said Oceana ; 

for you know,” she added, speaking with great 
solemnity, we can never force love. It comes, or it 
does not come. It is wayward as the wind. It is given 
to those, sometimes, who do not want it, and it is with- 
held, again, from those who would give all their lives 
to possess a little of it. Love can neither be bought nor 
sold.” 

You are right, my dear. You speak very wisely 
for a girl of nineteen. But now I want to say some- 
thing about Lady Margaret. She has done much for 
you.” 

I know that. I never asked her to, but she did. 
Daddy Barfoot wished it. Mammy didnH care so much, 
but Daddy wished it, and — and — ^I did what he wished, 
because I love him.” 

And you have no love or feeling of gratitude 


144 OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 

towards the woman who has done such a great deal for 
you ? ” 

Oceana sprang from her seat and came and knelt at 
Mrs. Huntingdon’s side. 

Have you ever had feels ? ” she asked, deep 
feels down — down — down here ? ” She pointed to her 
heart. 

Well — ^no ; not very deep. I am a quiet sort of 
person.” 

And I am all passion, and tempest, and revolt, and 
determination, and — ^and a thousand things. I was 
drawn out of the sea, and I think I am as changeful, 
as perverse as the sea itself. Think of the sea in its 
happy, joyous moods, and then think of it in a great 
storm, and you may get a tiny peep into the heart of 
Oceana. I ought to love the lady, or at least be grateful 
to the lady who has educated me; hut neither love 
nor gratitude can he bought, any more than the power 
of human nature can soothe the angry waves of the 
sea.” 

You will come with us to-night,” said Mrs. Hunt- 
ingdon, cheerfully, and change your mind. Percival 
is very charming, too, and he likes you.” 

I have made a compact with Mr. Percival Manners,” 
replied the girl. 

A compact ? You queer child ! ” 

Yes ; I don’t mind telling you. I hate him ; he likes 
me. We have decided — ^we decided in this room a few 
hours ago — to keep our feelings on both sides to our- 
selves and be outwardly civil. Of course, for your sake, 
I will be outwardly civil also to Lady Margaret.” 

“ Of course you will, dear,” 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


145 


Oceana presently left the room. Mrs. Huntingdon 
took care that her favourite — as she called the girl — 
should be becomingly dressed, and in a somewhat out- 
of-the-common fashion. Oceana accordingly wore a 
dress made at Liberty’s, of a soft tone of sea-green, 
which flowed in graceful curves around her lissom young 
figure. Her beautiful white throat and neck were bare, 
and her well-shaped arms were destitute of ornaments; 
her hair, black as night, was coiled in stately fashion 
round her young head, and her blue eyes looked so very 
blue in contrast to the sea-green dress as to give to her 
appearance an almost uncanny effect. 

When the party reached Fanborough, and were ush- 
ered into one of the old drawing-rooms. Lady Margaret 
came eagerly forward to greet her friends. Other 
guests had also come to dine, so she could only give a 
cursory glance at the girl in the sea-green frock. That 
glance, however, caused a queer contraction at her heart, 
and she wondered, for the moment, whether she were 
going to have another of those fainting attacks which 
had occurred more than once of late and rendered her 
powerless for the time being. Strange to say, no one 
observed the extreme pallor of the lady’s face except 
Oceana. She slipped quietly away without anyone 
noticing her, went into the great hall and spoke to one 
of the footmen. 

Will you give me a tiny liqueur glass of brandy ? ” 
she said. Just bring it to me here. I don’t think 
Lady Margaret is quite well.” 

The man in amazement hurried off to fulfil her re- 
quest. Oceana returned to the drawing-room, walking 
as calmly and unconcernedly as though she were in her 

10 


il6 OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 

sea-cave at home. She took the brandy to Lady Mar- 
garet. 

Drink this,” she said. You will be all right 
then.” 

The woman looked full at her. Her heart gave a 
thump. She was horrified at Oceana noticing her pallor 
and distress. Nevertheless, she was grateful for the un- 
expected attention from this strange girl. She drank 
off the stimulant, and put the glass on a small table 
near. More guests were arriving, but Lady Margaret 
felt steady and calm again. What wonderful eyes that 

girl had, and what a perceptive soul! and — and . 

The lady did not dare to think any further. 

Why did you do that ? ” asked Margaret Manners, 
coming up to Oceana at that moment. 

Oceana turned and looked at her. 

Who are you ? ” she asked. 

II am Margaret Manners, sole daughter of the 
house,” replied Miss Manners. 

Well — I am Oceana Barfoot.” 

Are you — really f You are the girl with the beau- 
tiful first and the hideous second name. I have heard 
a lot about you. But please tell me why you gave 
mother that brandy ? ” 

She looked so white and ill that I knew she wanted 
it, so I went and fetched it.” 

It was very thoughtful of you. Sit down here, , 
and let us talk. We shan’t be going in to dinner for 
two or three minutes, for the Eaulkners haven’t come 
yet, and they’re always late. It is so provoking, for 
they invariably make the fish watery. I do detest 
watery fish, don’t you ? ” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


147 


I don’t much care whether it is watery or not,” said 
Oceana. I am not accustomed to fine living.” 

Of course not ; and yet what a delicious dress you 
have on, and it suits you so well. You were drawn out 
of the sea, were you not ? ” 

Yes ; hut must we begin at the beginning of all 
things for me ? ” 

“ Certainly not, if you don’t wish it. What would 
you like to talk al^ut ? ” 

About you,” said Oceana. You aren’t the least 
like your mother, nor your brother. Your mother is 
handsome, and so is your brother.” 

And I am ugly. Thanks so much ! ” 

I didn’t say so,” replied Oceana ; but you are 
certainly not beautiful.” 

I love you for being frank, said Margaret. Of 
course, I am a perfect fright. Oh, here come the Faulk- 
ners. We’ll go in to dinner in a minute now, but after- 
wards you and I can talk. Do you know, I quite like 
you.” 

And I quite like you,” said Oceana, in a cordial 

tone. 

Just then. Lady Margaret brought forward a young 
man of no particular appearance or bearing, to intro- 
duce to Oceana. His name was Bradfield, and he was 
to have the honour of taking the Sea Nymph in 
to dinner. By-and-by the long procession streamed 
into the adjoining room. It was a magnificent 
apartment, and Oceana looked around her with deep 
interest 

What an old, old house ! ” she said, to her partner. 

Yes,” he replied. Fanborough is hundreds of 
years old.” Then he looked at her inquiringly. Do 


148 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


you know Fanborough, Miss — I beg your pardon, I 
did not catch your name/^ 

Barfoot is my name,” said Oceana — Miss Bar- 
foot. No, this is my first visit.” 

The Mannerses are such charming people. But 
have you never been in the picture gallery? There’s 
the portrait of a girl there — by Jove! she’s the very 
image of you. I should like to show that picture to you. 
I never saw such a likeness. She has got those wonder- 
fully ” 

“ Please,” said Oceana, holding up her hand. Per- 
sonal remarks are forbidden — at least, they were in my 
French school. They are not considered at all comrne 
il faut/' 

“ Thank you,” replied Bradfield, colouring slightly, 
but permitting himself to stare now and again at the 
girl in the sea-green dress. He thought her quite the 
most lovely creature he had ever beheld, and wondered 
more and more who she could be, where she sprang from, 
and to whom she belonged. 

Meanwhile, Percival, at the head of the table, op- 
posite his mother, gave several keen glances at Oceana, 
but, true to the compact between them, he left her alone. 
Nevertheless, his mind was quite made up. If he could 
win this blue-eyed nobody, he would do so, in spite of 
his mother and sister. He knew that he had at last 
found the one woman in all the world for him. He had 
loved her secretly for long years, and now that she was 
grown-up, and lovely beyond compare, he was deter- 
mined to bring his adoration to the test. But he must 
be wary. She was no ordinary girl. She had told him 
that very day, and quite frankly, that she hated him. 
He reflected, with as much complacency as he could. 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


149 


that hatred was much better than indifference. He was 
clever enough to play his game warily. The Mannerses 
of Fanborough were rich ; he could afford to take a 
penniless bride. Oh, yes, nobody else, nobody in all 
the world but Oceana should be his wife. 


CHAPTEE XVII 


Meanwhile the long and stately dinner continued 
on its weary way. Oceana made funny remarks now 
and then. 

I have had quite enough to eat/’ she said to her 
companion. Are there many more courses ? ” This 
was when the dinner was about half over. 

I am afraid there are/’ said the young man in 
a tone of commiseration. 

How horrid and unnecessary,” replied Oceana. 

But it is the custom in good society,” said Bradfield. 

Then I hate good society. At the Farm we used to 
have one big hearty meal (we were ever so hungry), 
and then nothing more at all. Afterwards the girls 
and I used to jump up and wash the things and put 
them away, and redd up the kitchen. I wonder if you 
know what redding up the kitchen means, Mr. Brad- 
field?” 

Xo, I don’t, Miss Barfoot.” 

What a pity,” said Oceana. “ The knowledge 
would have done you a great deal of good. We lived 
at the Farm. I don’t call this living. I really cannot 
eat any more. Do you mind if I refuse the rest of the 
courses ? ” 

“ I don’t mind, of course. You should take less of 

160 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 151 

each thing as it is handed to you, then you’ll find that 
you’ll be able to hold out till the end.” 

But I was hungry to begin,” said Oceana, “ and I 
helped myself freely, and now I’ve done.” 

She sank back in her seat with a laugh. 

I wish you’d stop eating, too, Mr. Bradfield,” she 
said, and talk to me. Tell me what sort of life you 
lead. Are you a farmer, and do you keep horses ? ” 

I am not a farmer in the ordinary sense; I have 
an estate of my own, and I certainly keep horses.” 

Do you break them in and ride them when they 
are colts? Ted does that.” 

I have not the honour of Ted’s acquaintance.” 

He is my foster-brother. He is a very handsome 
fellow.” 

I have a man for the purpose.” 

How dreadful ! Don’t you do anything yourself ? ” 
“ I do a good deal, I assure you. This is a hunting 
country, and we hunt a good deal in the winter. Then 
in the summer, of course, we have golf and tennis and 
all sorts of games.” 

“ Yes,” said Oceana, but that is all play. What 
sort of work do you do ? ” 

I — I — well, really — I don’t know.” 

I thought you didn’t do much,” said Oceana, 
glancing at him, then looking away again. 

You speak in a very disparaging tone, Miss Bar- 
foot. How can you possibly tell by my face what I 
do and what I do not do ? ” 

“ I know quite well what you do not do, for your face 
has not grown.” 

Good heavens ! ” said the young man, Have I 
the face of a baby?” 


162 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


Well, rather. I tell you what you want, a good 
rough shaking. Mr. Manners wants the same. He 
wants to face life in earnest. We Barfoots have all of 
us faced life in earnest. There is one person I admire 
very much here, and that is Miss Manners. She has 
character in her face.” 

But surely you admire Lady Margaret ? ” 

I don’t admire her at all ; but she, too, has faced life 
in earnest. She has gone through things.” 

Just at that moment the signal was given for the 
ladies to withdraw, and a minute later Oceana found 
herself by Margaret’s side. 

How you did chatter at dinner ! ” said Margaret. 

You made Frank Bradfield quite lively.” 

He is a very stupid young man,” said Oceana. T 
told him he was a baby and had never been awakened.” 

Oh, you are delicious,” said Margaret, bursting into 
a peal of laughter. Most of the people round here are 
babies either old or young, but still babies — never roused, 
you know, never awake to do anything at all. It’s a 
great pity. They want shocks — earthquakes; anything 
to give them equilibrium, to steady them on their poor 
weak little legs.” 

Oh, Miss Manners, what a big dinner you had 
to-night ; I do trust I won’t often be asked to eat such 
another.” 

“ Let me tell you what I am going to do myself,” said 
Margaret Manners. 

Please, do ! I shall be delighted to listen.” 

I am going to London. I am going in a week, or 
perhaps in a fortnight; but as soon as ever the people 
begin to come back, I shall go. I want to help the 
people.” 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


153 


Do you ? said Oceana, looking at her fixedly. 
‘‘ I thought, somehow that you might be that sort.” 

I am that sort ; I think you are, too.” 

I have no money,” said Oceana, or Vd help, 
help, help.” 

“ You have great gifts of your own,” said Margaret. 

‘‘ Please don’t talk of me now,” said Oceana. 

I won’t ; I will tell you about my little flat. It is 
quite too splendid. I am going to take rooms in a great 
building in Tottenham-court-road, and my rooms will 
consist of a tiny bedroom — a sort of pockethandkerchief 
place — and a still tinier sitting-room, and a wee bath- 
room; and I am going to furnish the whole place very 
cheaply; and I am going to scrub it out myself; and I 
shall have my meals in a restaurant downstairs; and 
for the luxuries of those three rooms I shall pay thirteen 
shillings a week. How, isn’t that fine ? ” 

It is glorious,” said Oceana. 

There’ll be other women like me in the flat, and I 
am going to learn all about them, and help them as much 
as ever I can.” 

You are the only one of the Manners family that 
I can tolerate,” said Oceana. 

You are a queer girl,” said Margaret. “ Of course 
you know you are frightfully rude.” 

Am I ? Is being truthful rude ? ” 

Yes, it is sometimes. It is sometimes better to con- 
ceal the truth than to speak it out.” 

I thought people ought to be quite truthful and 
quite open ? ” said Oceana. I believe you are in your 
heart of hearts.” 

Well, yes, I am — that is, to my own family. But 
then I am a Manners, and you are not.” 


154 


OCEANA^B GIELHOOD 


I am a Barfoot/^ said Oceana ; and I love my 
name/’ 

“ It’s a hideous name,” said Margaret. 

“ ITow who’s rude ? ” laughed Oceana. 

I am taking a leaf out of your book — you infected 
me. But let me tell you one thing; you ought not to 
dislike the Manners family, for we have done a great 
deal for you. It was mother — dear old mums — who 
had you educated.” 

I never asked her to have me educated. I never 
wished her to do it. It was my Daddy Barfoot who 
wished it.” 

Still, you ought not to dislike her for it.” 

“ I don’t dislike her for that, of course.” 

Then for what ? ” asked Margaret, in some astonish- 
ment. 

Because of a feel I have down deep, very deep. 
Miss Manners, have you ever feels, terrible feels, down 
away down in your heart ? ” 

“ I suppose I have sometimes. You are a strange 
girl.” 

People say I am ; but I think I am just an honest, 
natural sort of girl. Anyhow, I have had a remarkable 
story, and perhaps a little of its queerness has got into 
my brain. I was drawn right out of the sea when I 
was a kiddy. You never went through that sort of 
experience. Your eyes were never washed blue by the 
sea.” 

^^ISTo more they were. I wish they had been. I 
should never be tired of looking into your blue 
eyes.” 

‘^Please don’t! It would be very tiresome both for 
you and for me.” 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 


155 


How do you like Mrs. Huntingdon ? ” asked Mar- 
garet, abruptly. 

I think she is a darling, sweet, generous little 
woman ; and I like her husband, too.” 

“ Don’t you just love them ? They seem very fond of 
you.” 

I may love them some day ; but I could not possibly 
love anyone in such a short time as I have known the 
Huntingdons.” 

Here come the men,” suddenly remarked Miss 
Manners. Now we must make ourselves pleasant.” 

I shan’t,” said Oceana. 

Well, I must, alas 1 ” said Margaret. Pretend 
to look over that book of photographs. Sit where you 
are; you are so very remarkable in appearance and 
— and beautiful, that some man will be sure to attach 
himself to you in a minute or two. Ah ! and here comes 
Percival ? He raves about you a good bit. I want to 
talk to my friend, the Bishop. I haven’t seen him for 
quite three or four months. He and I are very keen 
about my scheme for educating my poor neigh- 
bours in London. Percival, you may take my vacant 
chair.” 

Margaret rose, and Percival dropped into the chair 
which she offered him. 

I am keeping to our compact, am I not ? ” he said, 
looking at Oceana. 

Well, naturally,” she replied. You wouldn’t 
be at all a manly person if you broke it on the first 
day.” 

Do you know,” he said, speaking eagerly, and bend- 
ing towards her, that I made a very remarkable dis- 
covery during dinner ? ” 


166 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


What a queer time to make a discovery ! I thought, 
of course, you were eating as hard as you could, like all 
the other people.” 

No, I really ate very little. Didn’t you notice that I 
looked at you pretty often ? ” 

I didn’t see you,” replied Oceana. I had a par- 
ticularly troublesome young man sitting next to me, and ^ 
what with trying to entertain him and explaining to 
him that he was only a baby and refusing all that fear- 
ful amount of dinner, I had no time to look at any- 
one.” 

But we had just an ordinary company dinner, Miss 
Barfoot.” 

Well, I hate company dinners,” said Oceana. 

You are outspoken,” was the reply. 

“ Am I ? That is precisely what your sister has 
just said. But do tell me what you discovered at din- 
ner.” 

That you are exactly like my great-grandmother. 
Her portrait is in the picture gallery. It is strange, for 
we Mannerses are, as a rule, dark; but she had that 
curious combination of colour which you have: jet 
black hair, and those very blue eyes and fair skin.” 

Oh ! do tell me more,” said Oceana, laughing. 

Describe the lilies and the roses on her forehead and 
in her cheeks ; the blue of the eyes and the deep red of 
the lips, and the pearly teeth, and the winsome smile. 

I know exactly how girls ought to be described in novels. 

I skip the descriptions myself, because they are so mawk- 
ish. Surely, Mr. Manners, it’s part of our compact 
that I don’t say rude things to you, and that you don’t 
say polite, horrid, flattery things to me ? ” 

You are quite right,” he answered. I forgot for a 


OCEAISTA’S GIKLHOOD 


157 


minute. Well, if it pleases you, I will say that my 
great-grandmother was a hideous woman; anyhow, you 
are like her — marvellously like her. May I take you to 
the picture-gallery, and will you see for yourself that I 
am right ? ” 

What fun,” said Oceana, rising. 

Then come this way. We will go through the con- 
servatory, and then into the smoking-room and round 
by the left corridor, and so up the stairs into the gal- 
lery. We had better be quick before anyone begins to 
play or sing,” 

Why ? That would be the very time to go,” said 
Oceana. 

No, it would not. It would be rude.” 

“ I shall never be a society girl as long as I live,” 
remarked Oceana, with a sigh, then she added, Let us 
come. I should like to see myself in a portrait. But 
hadn’t I better bring a looking-glass with me so that I 
can compare myself with your great-grandmother, fea- 
ture by feature ? ” 

“ Yes, that would be capital,” remarked the young 
man. I will fetch one from the library.” 

The next minute the two had left the room. They 
had scarcely done so before several of the guests began 
talking about Oceana. Who was she? What a lovely 
face she had ! What a vivid expression. What intense 
personality and vivacity was hers. She was altogether 
a charming girl. Mrs. Huntingdon felt as she listened 
that her own dream daughter was being praised. Ed- 
ward Huntingdon smiled complacently, and assumed an 
air of proprietorship with regard to the absent girl. 
Lady Margaret said impatiently to her daughter : 
“ WTiere is your brother ? ” 


158 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


Margaret shrugged her shoulders. Gone off some- 
where with that charming little Oceana/’ she said, 
laughing. Then she turned to continue her conversa- 
tion with her friend, the Bishop of Welford. 

Meanwhile, Percival, having found a small mirror in 
a silver frame, was leading Oceana up the broad low 
stairs towards the famous picture-gallery of Fanborough. 
The old house had been lit with electric light, and the 
picture-gallery was, therefore, full of subdued and 
pleasing illumination. 

Oceana had a natural love for pictures, and would 
have paused, if her companion had allowed her, before 
the portrait of a gay cavalier, or before a charming 
group of children. The Reynoldses, the Gainsboroughs, 
the Romneys, and other great masters of that day, 
charmed her really artistic soul. But Percival 
feared interruption, and was most anxious to see the 
girl and the portrait she so closely resembled side by 
side. 

Here she is,” he said, abruptly. Gainsborough 
painted her. She — good heavens, she might be you ! I 
never saw such a likeness.” 

Mr. Bradfield, the stupid young man with the baby 
face, said the same thing when we were at dinner,” re- 
marked Oceana. 

Manners stepped forward, and switched on the 
light in a group of electric globes which were at the side 
of the picture. They shone on a fair young beauty 
dressed in the costume of her day. All Oceana’s special 
characteristics were reproduced in that young and 
charming face. The living girl looked with intense 
interest at the portrait of the woman who had so long 
passed away. 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


169 


‘^She is very beautiful,” she said, after a pause. 
“ She can’t be the least like me. You only think so 
because her eyes are blue.” 

“ Look in the mirror,” said the young man, his face 
ablaze with excitement. Look in the mirror and see 
for yourself.” 

Oceana did look. She looked from the reflection of 
her glowing eager face to the face so wonderfully painted 
by the great master. The colour left her cheeks. Her 
eyes filled with sudden tears. 

Why — she is me ! She is me in every particular. 
Mr. Manners, I don’t like that picture. I don’t want to 
hang in your gallery. Come away, please, come away. 
It — it is uncanny to have a portrait of anyone so like 
me hanging in your picture gallery.” 

Manners was distressed at the girl’s words. As soon 
as they left the gallery, however, she resumed her cheer- 
fulness. 

Perhaps the lady you resemble was like you in 
character,” he said. You may have the same sort of 
nature. She was, from all accounts, particularly way- 
ward, and a difficult person to manage.” 

It is all very strange 1 ” said Oceana. Here is 
the mirror ; you can put it back in the room from where 
you took it ; I will wait for you here.” 

The young man went into a small study close by and 
laid the silver-mounted mirror on a table. He came 
came back at once to Oceana. 

She must have been singularly like you,” he re- 
peated. 

She may have been in face, of course,” said Oceana. 

I could see that myself ; but she couldn’t possiby have 
been in character; for to have the same sort of character 


160 


OCEAKA’S GIRLHOOD 


she must have been my relation, and she undoubtedly 
was not, so I cannot inherit any single one of her char* 
acteristics. By the way, what was her name ? ’’ 

She was known as the great Lady Erancesca Man- 
ners, daughter of the proud Earl of Dartley. She was 
considered a wonderful beauty in her time. She lived 
towards the middle of the eighteenth century. Some 
people said she had Italian blood in her veins, but that 
is almost inconceivable, with her extreme fairness; and 
yet, of course, it would account for the vivid black of 
her lovely hair.’^ 

“ Well, I am not like her, thank goodness, except in 
face,” said Oceana, and they returned to the drawing- 
room. 

As soon as the Huntingdons and their young com- 
panion had driven away, and the Mannerses found them- 
selves alone, Margaret went quickly up to Percival, 
took his two hands, and shook them with some 
vehemence. 

I congratulate you from my heart, Percy. I never 
did think you’d fall in love with so absolutely nice a girl 
as Oceana Barfoot.” 

He wrenched his hands from her grasp. He was 
evidently staggered by her words; yet the next minute 
his face softened, and he bent towards her and kissed 
her. 

Don’t be a goose, Margy,” he said, calling her by a 
long-forgotten pet name. 

I never was less of a goose than I am now,” was her 
answer. That is a sensible girl, and a handsome one, 
I don’t wonder mother took her up.” 

I will tell you one very extraordinary thing about 
her,” said Percival. His mother had suii into a chair 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


161 


near the fire, and was apparently not listening to the 
brother and sister. She was reading a weekly paper 
which had arrived by the last post. 

Mums, do listen. Percival has something to say,'’ 
interrupted Margaret. 

Lady Margaret laid the paper on her knee. 

It’s quite a curious thing, mums. I wonder you 
didn’t notice it,” said Percival ; but you know young 
Bradfield — -Frank, who took Miss Barfoot into dinner 
— he was the first to remark it to her. He was greatly 
struck by her likeness to our ancestress. Lady Francesca. 
Really, mother, it’s quite remarkable, she is the very 
image of her. I took her up to the gallery after dinner, 
and we compared the two faces. I gave her a mirror to 
look at her own face beside the portrait. You could 
almost suppose that Lady Francesca was alive again in 
that girl. Have you ever noticed it, mother ? ” 

Never,” said Lady Margaret. How could I notice 
anything so absolutely untrue 1 ” 

But it is absolutely true,” said Margaret Manners. 

I was puzzled all the evening by an indefinable re- 
semblance to some one. Now it comes to light. It is 
that tiresome Lady Francesca who was such a beauty, 
and such a wit in her time, and who turned so many 
men’s hearts. That little strange girl is the very image 
of her. Why, mums — ^you do look pale.” 

I am tired,” said Lady Margaret. What non- 
sense you talk, children. But I am glad of one thing. 
The Huntingdons seem pleased with their young 
protegee; and for her station, she is a pretty girl; but 
as to that absurd comparison of yours, why, it only 
exists, my dears, in your young brains. Percy, keep 
your head, and don’t fall in love with a nobody. Mar- 

II 


162 OCE AIDA’S GIELHOOD 

garet, don’t encourage your brother in absolute folly. 
You can’t marry Oceana Barfoot, even if you break 
your heart over the affair, my son. And now I have 
said my say. I don’t want arguments; I am going to 
bed.” 


CHAPTER XYIII 


Oceana was certainly happy in her new life. Her 
school existence had trained her to a certain degree of 
luxury and refinement, and although in her heart of 
hearts she would never admit that any place was like the 
kitchen at the Ridge Farm, that any face in all the world 
was to be compared to the face of “ mammy mine,” yet 
she did like gentle, refined things, quiet, soft-footed skil- 
ful servants; a clean, bright house furnished in good 
taste, the light employment which fell to her share, and 
the pleasure she undoubtedly gave to two of the kindest- 
hearted people in the world. 

She made a remark, however, on the morning after 
her dinner-party at Fanborough. 

I hope you won’t mind if I am dreadfully out- 
spoken.” 

“ We will try not to, Oceana,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, 
smiling with pleasure at her favourite. 

I always was very frank,” continued the girl, in a 
tone of apology. I think it was the sea put it into me, 
for the sea must be broad and free and daring and a little 
bit reckless; and I was drawn out of the sea, and I think 
I’ve got a touch of its wildness in me. Anyhow, I must 
speak out. I am the sort of girl who can love intensely 
and can also take most vehement dislikes. How, Mrs. 
Huntingdon, dear, I do like you and your husband, and 
163 


164 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


jou are more than kind to me, both of you, and I am 
very happy with you, for I can send such a jolly lot of 
money home to mammy mine at the Ridge Farm, but I 
do not like Lady Margaret, nor any of her family, ex- 
cept Miss Manners. Miss Manners is quite tolerable, 
so I can endure her. But I do hope the next time you 
are asked to dine at Fanborough, you won^t expect me 
to go with you.” 

You are quite right to be candid, Oceana,” said Mr. 
Huntingdon, putting down his knife and fork. But 
now I have something to say to you.” 

Is it a lecture, please ? ” asked the girl, her eyes 
filling with a saucy and yet beautiful light. 

“ You may call it a lecture, my dear ; you may throw 
it away and scorn it, or you may take it to heart and 
ponder over it. Anyhow, it consists of a few words 
uttered by an old man to a very young girl.” 

I am not so very young — nineteen,” she an- 
swered. 

Very well, we will grant that you are grown up, and 
as you have plenty of brains and excellent health, there 
is no reason why you should not comprehend my reason 
for speaking to you. My reason is this. I cannot pos- 
sibly understand your attitude towards dear, kind Lady 
Margaret Manners. You are not, by nature, an ungrate- 
ful girl, and yet you show marked ingratitude to her. 
You owe her a great deal. The Barfoots also owe her 
practically everything.” 

What do you mean ? ” said Oceana, turning a little 
white. 

It is true, and I feel you ought to be aware of it. 
Lady Margaret saw you, a strange young girl, years ago. 
She took a fancy to you, and made inquiries with regard 


OCEAITA’S GIKLHOOD 


165 


to jour history. When she found out how very kind the 
Barfoots were to you, it entered into her generous heart 
to be kind also. So she took steps to secure for you a 
good education, which the Barfoots, being sensible peo- 
ple, accepted on your behalf. She paid for your educa- 
tion for many long years, until at last you developed 
into the graceful young lady who makes us both so very 
happy. You are now in a position to earn money and 
to help your foster people. All this you owe to her.” 

I have been told that a great many times,” said 
Oceana. I suppose I have a frozen sort of heart, for, 
although I know it all — I am not likely to forget it, in- 
deed — I cannot love her for it. I don’t myself under- 
stand the reason why.” 

But you haven’t quite heard all — not the greatest 
thing that she has done.” 

The greatest thing that Lady Margaret has done ? 
What is that ? ” 

You, of course, remember that when you returned to 
the Ridge Farm you found your humble friends in great 
money difficulties.” 

I won’t have them called humble friends, please. 
My dear, noble friends — my people, the Barfoots — they 
were in money difficulties. What of that ? ” 

You mustn’t be too proud, Oceana. Barfoot is no 
longer obliged to leave his farm. The cattle need not be 
sold, the girls need not go into service. The son — I hear 
he is a most worthy young man — will by-and-by step 
into his father’s shoes; and all this has been done 
by ” 

What ! ” said Oceana. She sprang to her feet. 
Her eyes looked wild and almost desperate. The colour 
came and went in her cheeks. 


166 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


Bj our most generous friend, Lady Margaret.” 

Mr. Huntingdon ! Who told you, please ? ” 

I had a letter to-day from Sir Charles Dyke, in 
which he told me the entire story. It was a mag- 
nificent thing to do; and she did it so quietly that I 
don’t think they realise — at any rate, Mrs. Barfoot 
doesn’t realise — from whom the favour comes. All their 
money difficulties have vanished, and they are estab- 
lished on the farm.” 

And she has done it — she ! Oh, I wondered how 
daddy was going to keep the farm up. I thought that 
something was happening, but I couldn’t guess that she 
had done it. He must not stay — he must not! Oh, 
Mr. Huntingdon — he must not stay ! ” 

“ Oceana, don’t be silly. Why should you interfere 
to destroy a man’s happiness ? ” 

I’ll write to daddy at once and ask him if this is 
true. I won’t write to mammy mine, for it would hurt 
her feelings; but I’ll write to daddy; he will tell me. 
Oh — oh — oh — •! would rather they left. I would rather 
the girls were in service. I can’t help it. Oh, what am 
I made of! You must give me time to write. I must 
write — ^in order to hear from his own lips that this is 
true. Oh, you have told me dreadful news ! ” 

The girl left the room. Mr. and Mrs. Huntingdon 
looked at each other. 

It is very strange indeed,” said Huntingdon 
Oceana isn’t at all the sort of girl to take a viole 
prejudice against any one; she is a very sweet girl wit. 
a most affectionate nature, and, except for this strange 
crank, has a most beautiful character.” 

The whole thing is more than puzzling,” said 
Mrs. Huntingdon ; and besides, have you noticed, Ed- 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 167 

ward ? Percival is falling in love with her ; I am certain 
of it.” 

All the men were talking about her after dinner last 
night,” said Edward Huntingdon, “ and Bradfield re- 
marked on her extraordinary likeness to Lady Francesca 
Manners, the woman whose portrait was painted by 
Gainsborough. Percival looked quite excited about it. 
Don’t you remember that special portrait, my love ? ” 
No, I don’t, dear. I can’t remember all the portraits 
I see in my different friends’ picture galleries.” 

But you couldn’t fail to remember this, my love — 
a Gainsborough, and a great one — a girl with a fair 
complexion and blue eyes. She was the daughter of 
the Earl of Dartley, and she lived in the middle of the 
eighteenth century.” 

I can’t remember it ; but does it seriously matter ? ” 
There’s something wrong somewhere,” said Hun- 
tingdon ; I can’t make out what it is. I am sorry for 
Percival; he is a splendid fellow; but I wish he would 
set his affections on somebody else. Lady Margaret 
looks very ill ; don’t you think so, Lucia ? ” 

Yes, Edward, I do ; but she has looked ill for years. 
She has never got over the shock of her husband’s death.” 

Nonsense, dear ! She did quite get over it. She was 
quite a blooming woman, and comparatively young-look- 
ing, until Percival had that illness. You remember whr- 
he very nearly died. That is six or seven years ago. Y 
recall, of course, that she left Farnborough immediate 
afterwards, and took Margaret to Dresden ; and when she 
came back we all noticed the change in her. I don’t like 
to say it to you, Lucia ; but Lady Margaret looks to me 
like a woman who has something weighing on her mind.” 


168 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


Poor thing ! I am sure she has not/’ said Mrs. 
Huntingdon, who always took the best and brightest view 
of life. She is just not so young as she was, and that 
perverse Margaret is enough to trouble any poor woman.” 

Oh, well, for my part, I admire Margaret/’ said 
Mr. Huntingdon. 

It was just then that the worthy couple saw the figure 
of a girl, dressed in white, flying down the garden path. 
She had a letter in her hand, which shp meant to deposit 
in the post-box near by. 

Having done so, Oceana returned to the hou«e. It 
would take from two to three days before she had a reply 
to her letter. During that time she resolved to say noth- 
ing about it, to be as cheerful and pleasant as possible to 
her kind friends, and, as far as lay in her power, to keep 
the subject of Lady Margaret Manners and her family 
out of the conversation. 

Meanwhile, changes were taking place at Farnborough. 
Lady Margaret spent a sleepless night. There are times 
when not even the strongest opiate can soothe the over- 
tired and over-sorrowful mind. On this day Lady 
Margaret got up early. She went to her son’s room. 
She found him sound asleep, looking as handsome and 
bright and charming as young man could. Her whole 
heart went out to him. Was she. Lady Margaret, going 
at the eleventh hour to spoil his life, to take what she 
considered his rightful inheritance from him, to reduce , 
him at once to beggary and disgrace? Ho, no; she had 
fought against this evil thing for years, and she would 
fight on to the bitter end. She went now and stood by 
the open window. The blinds were drawn up, and the 
fresh morning sunshine was pouring into the room. 
Percival opened his eyes. For a minute he looked sleep- 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 169 

ily at his mother, then he sat up in bed and gazed at 
her. 

“ Mother,” he said, why are you up so early ? ” 

I want to talk to you, Percy. I thought perhaps 
you’d help me.” 

Well, of course I will, if I can. When have you 
ever known me refuse you anything ? But what am I to 
do now ? ” 

“ I feel,” said Lady Margaret, sitting down on the 
side of her son’s bed, that I have been acting unkindly 
to your sister.” 

What ? ” said the young man. To Meg ? Oh, I 
don’t think so. It seems to me it’s the other way round. 
I have told her what I think of her conduct. You ought 
to be her first consideration. She ought not to rush 
away to London, and leave you alone.” 

As long as I have you, Percival, I shall never be 
alone.” 

Percival smiled. I will always do what I can for 
you, mother, of course,” he said. But some day I ” — 
he coloured, and then grew somewhat pale — I may 
marry. Most men in my position do.” 

Yes, and I shall welcome your wife with open 
arms.” 

You will, mother, if you happen to approve of her.” 

I shall approve of her, my son.” 

But suppose,” said Percival, she is the sort of girl 
you never could approve of ? ” 

We won’t talk of her now,” said Lady Margaret. 

As far as we can tell, she may not exist. And I want 
you to help me with regard to Margaret. She has heard 
of the sale of some very suitable furniture, and wants to 
buy it for her flat. She will probably lose it if she 


170 


OCEAI^A’S GIELHOOD 


doesn’t go to London to-day. I can supply her with 
funds for what she will require, and I thought you might 
both go up to town and stay for a couple of days at St. 
Ermin’s Hotel, while Margaret was getting her house- 
hold goods into order. You have always been kind to 
your sister.” 

‘‘ Well, it’s you who are generous now,” said Percival. 
“ Upon my word, you are good ! ” 

He thought of Oceana, whom he had earnestly hoped 
to meet that day. But, after all, he would see her on 
his return. 

I will take Meg to town of course, if you wish it, 
mother,” he said. 

That is my dear, good hoy ! Then I will go to 
Margaret and wake her, and tell her that I have given 
in about the furniture. Then you can both catch the 
half-past nine train to town. I shall expect you back in 
two or three days. As you will be in town, you may as 
well see what is to be seen, and go to some theatres, etc.” 

Very well, mother, and you promise not to be 
lonely?” 

“ I shall certainly not be lonely. I mean to indulge 
in a little house-cleaning.” 

Ah, mother,” said the son, with a smile, you were 
always good at that.” 

Lady Margaret left the room. She had an interview 
with her daughter, woke up the rest of the house, had an 
early breakfast, provided funds for the young couple, 
and had the satisfaction of seeing them drive away to 
the railway station in time to catch the nine-thirty train. 
As soon as they were quite out of sight. Lady Margaret 
stood very quiet for a minute. Then she went slowly 
and unwillingly in the direction of the picture-gallery. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


171 


She could not account for the fact that her heart beat 
faster and faster as she approached the portrait by 
Gainsborough of that blue-eyed girl who had been the 
daughter of the late Lord Dartley. Lady Margaret had 
more than once gazed at that face. There was a time 
when she had adored it, when she had even dreamed of 
its rare and wonderful beauty; when, amongst all her 
possessions, she had prided herself most on that of the 
great Gainsborough. But last night she had dreamed 
horrible things of this picture, and now she had sent her 
son and daughter away to London because she must be 
alone with it, because she must deal with it as she thought 
best. She felt herself turning very cold as she looked 
into the blue eyes, observed the graceful pose of the young 
figure, and noted the contour of the delicate features. 

It is true,” she said once, under her breath. It is 
the same face,” she murmured a second time. 

When she left the gallery. Lady Margaret had made 
up her mind. She went downstairs and ordered her 
motor-car to be brought round. In this she drove to the 
nearest town, and sent off a telegram. The chauffeur 
was a new servant who did not know any of the ways of 
the place. Lady Margaret had lunch in the little inn, 
and waited restlessly in the coffee-room for the reply to 
her telegram. When she thought the time had arrived, 
she went to the post-office, where she found the reply 
telegram awaiting her. It consisted of a few words 
which were to the effect that the sender would arrive at 
Fanborough that evening. Lady Margaret felt her 
spirits rise slightly as she went home. She took care, 
however, not to go anywhere in the direction of Glen- 
leven Lodg^. On reaching home she found that no visi- 
tors had called. This fact also gave her a sense of relief. 


m 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


Dinner was served in one of the old rooms, and in the 
usual stately way; the servants in their liveries attend- 
ing on Lady Margaret with all possible respect. When 
the meal came to an end, she said that she was expecting 
a man to see her on business that evening; that he was 
coming from London, but would not stay for the night ; 
that she Avould be occupied with him for some little time, 
and did not require any of the servants to sit up. The 
butler protested, and expressed willingness to sit up to 
any hour. Lady Margaret said curtly, My orders are 
that you are all to go to bed.^’ Her servant knew better 
than to argue. 

Between nine and ten o’clock, a burly-faced man, well 
dressed, of middle height and middle age, was shown into 
the lady’s presence. Lady Margaret waited until the 
butler had closed the door. Then, turning to her visitor, 
she said abruptly, I have sent for you with regard to 
the Gainsborough. You quite understand that I will 
only part with such a treasure on certain very stringent 
conditions.” 

We are willing to pay anything in reason, my lady,” 
said the picture dealer, whose eyes gleamed with delight. 

My first condition is the most important of all,” 
said Lady Margaret. It is this. The Gainsborough 
is to be taken to Hew York by the very first boat that 
sails there, and either you or your partner accompany 
the picture and there effect a sale for it on the condition 
that it becomes mine once again if ever it is brought 
back to England. I must have your written consent to 
this condition. The person who buys it must promise 
not to bring it back to England, or he loses the picture.” 

Yes, my lady.” 

I shall require,” continued Lady Margaret, ten 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


173 


thousand pounds for the picture. It will not be neces- 
sary for you to pay the whole of that sum down at once. 
I shall be satisfied with one-half, which is to be deposited 
in my bank.” 

I don’t think we shall quarrel about the terms,” said 
the man. That is, if your ladyship really means the 
great Gainsborough — the one of the Earl of Dartley’s 
daughter.” 

That is the picture I mean,” said Lady Margaret. 

I can give you a cheque now for £5,000,” said the 
dealer, and the remainder as soon as we sell the pic- 
ture in New York.” 

That will do. I have prepared a form myself which 
you are to sign, binding whoever is the purchaser to keep 
the picture out of England. Are you prepared to sign 
that form ? ” 

Well, madam, it’s a strange request, but of course 
we’ll do it. It might perhaps induce you to take a little 
less for the picture itself, as there are many rich Ameri- 
cans who like to bring their pictures to England.” 

I will not take a penny less. You know perfectly 
well that you will probably get from twenty to thirty 
thousand pounds for it in America.” 

I should be sorry to argue the point of mere price 
with a lady like yourself,” said the dealer. 

Well, then, sign this paper.” As Lady Margaret 
spoke she placed a document before the man. ‘‘ Here 
are two sixpenny stamps. Write your name across this 
stamp, and I will write my name across a similar docu- 
ment. You will keep one, and I will keep the other.” 

Yes. Thank you, my lady.” 

Do you like that pen ? Is it a good one ? ” 

Yes, thank you, my lady.” 


174 


OCEAJSTA^S GIELHOOD 


!N’ow, my final request is that you take the Gains- 
borough with you to-night.” 

Oh — but, madam- -your ladyship, I am not pre- 
pared.” 

I am,” said Lady Margaret. I have everything 
in readiness. I will myself drive you to a railway 
station, not near, however, but at a little distance. The 
fact is — my son will not like the idea of my parting with 
the picture. It belongs to me, and no persuasions on his 
part will induce me to keep it, for I want the money. 
Now you see I am pleasingly frank, only the picture 
must go to-night, or not at all.” 

I will take it to-night, my lady.” 

The servants are all in bed,” said Lady Margaret. 

Will you accompany me to the picture gallery ? ” 


CHAPTEK XIX 


A COUPLE of days later Percival and Margaret Man- 
ners returned to FarnborougK They were received by 
Lady Margaret with much outward affection; she was 
even cordial to Margaret, whose plan of life she so thor- 
oughly disapproved of. For one minute she looked in- 
tently into the eyes of her handsome son, and in that 
moment something in the expression of his eyes smote 
her very heart. Nevertheless, she was not sorry for 
what she herself had done. She had the feeling of a 
woman who had overcome an obstacle, who had mounted 
a certain difficult pass and got round the top, and was 
coming down on the other side. 

Margaret was full of enthusiasm about her flat in 
London. The furniture was flrst-rate, too; it was so 
very plain and good and simple. 

No one will be envious of it, mother,” she said. I 
shall be able to ask any number of harassed, overworked 
women into my little rooms, and they can none of them 
grumble at my darling deal tables, and my plain, sub- 
stantial, deal chest of drawers. And oh ! mother, I have 
got such a duck of a wardrobe, so plain, but so good, and 
the wood so well shrunk. I had the glass removed out 
of the door, for I could not bear to think of those poor, 
sad, underfed creatures glancing at themselves in the 
glass and looking away as though they were frightened. 
1Y5 


176 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


I want them all, when they come to tea or to dine with 
me, to forget themselves, to enter into my life, to cast 
their cares aside. Mother, the rooms look just sweet! 
Of course, they are very tiny, but anybody would enthuse 
about them, mother, for there is such a fresh, buoyant 
sort of feeling in being up so high in a tiny flat, in the 
midst of a great city, and of being so completely and ab- 
solutely your own mistress, having just enough income 
of your own to enable you to support yourself, if you live 
very quietly, and then spending the rest of your surplus 
money in assisting your poor neighbours. There ! I am 
a downright happy girl, and Percy has been a brick. He 
really was so delighted with the little flat when he saw 
it and its neat little contrivances for lessening labour and 
conducing to cleanliness and comfort that he almost 
took one next to mine. I had to forbid it, I assure you, 
mother, for men are not permitted to live in the women’s 
flats in Tottenham-court-road.” 

How, Margaret,” said Lady Margaret, sit down 
and have tea. I am glad you like your flat. As you 
must immolate yourself on the altar of self-sacrifice it is 
well to do so with a feeling of content and the knowledge 
that you are extremely virtuous.” 

Please, mums, don’t talk nonsense,” said Margaret. 

You know perfectly well that I am not a bit virtuous. 
If I were virtuous I should choose my own life, and 
leave you out in the cold, poor old mums 1 But, as it is, 
I have arranged to spend six weeks in the year with you, 
two in the hottest days in summer, two at Christmas, 
and two at Easter. I am going up to Selkirk Place this 
day fortnight, mums, and now I am ready for a cup of 
tea.” 

The flat is really quite comfortable,” said Percival, 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


177 


but, as mother says, we need not talk any more about 
it now. How have you been yourself, mother? I do 
trust you are not tired out superintending the house- 
cleaning.” 

Oh, no, my dear son. I have taken things quite 
leisurely.” 

And have you seen our neighbours, the Hunting- 
dons ? ” asked Margaret, raising her rather sleepy dark 
eyes and fixing them on her mother’s face. Has 
Oceana, the princess, been to see you ? ” 

Lady Margaret thought it best to take no notice of the 
latter part of Margaret’s speech. She said, coldly. 
The Huntingdons have not been here.” 

By the way,” said Percival, as he lazily drank his 
tea, ^^you will be pleased at one thing I have done, 
mother. I have not forgotten you and your wishes. I 
went to see one of the most famous picture-hangers in 
London — Hutchinson — lyou must know his name — with 
a view to having the pictures taken down in the gallery, 
carefully dusted, brushed, the frames attended to, where 
necessary revamished, and rehung in a different and 
more effective manner.” 

Percy and I were both thinking,” said Margaret, 
that the celebrated picture — the Gainsborough ; I 
mean the one the image of Oceana, is not in the best 
light, but we need not arrange where it is to be put until 
Hutchinson arrives.” 

I cannot have the pictures touched at present,” said 
Lady Margaret. 

But why, mums ? ” asked her daughter. You know 
perfectly well that Percy and I want to have the pictures 
attended to. Some of them are in quite a dangerous 
state, and there will be just a fortnight before I leave, 

12 


178 


0CEAI7A’S GIKLHOOD 


with excellent weather to boot, in which the whole thing 
can be managed.” 

I would rather not have the pictures touched,” said 
Lady Margaret. 

As she spoke she rose from her seat near the tea-table 
and walked slowly towards the great bay window, which 
had such a remarkable and splendid view of the neigh- 
bouring landscape. As she stood there the whole of her 
stately and really magnificent figure was brought out into 
strong relief, but her son and daughter, as they watched 
her, noticed that she stooped slightly, and that years 
had told on her in a very wonderful way. Percival went 
up very gently, and took his mother’s hand. 

Come and sit down, dear,” he said. The last wish 
of my heart and of Margaret’s is to do anything to annoy 
you.” 

Lady Margaret looked at them both. There was an 
uneasy expression in her fine dark eyes. 

Margaret and Percival,” she said, you know quite 
well that this fine place, Fanborough, belongs to Perci- 
val, that I am only here on sufferance until my son 
chooses to marry, that when that most welcome event 
takes place I retire gracefully into the dower house, 
where my wants will be abundantly satisfied. But one 
possession was left to me for my entire life; indeed, 
more than that — absolutely — by my dear husband. The 
four Gainsborough pictures in the gallery are my exclu- 
sive property, and do not belong to you, Percival.” 

The Gainsboroughs belong to you, mother ? ” asked 
the young man. I7ot the Gainsborough, surely not the 
Gainsborough! Surely, mother, you don’t know what 
you are saying! Lady Francesca Manners, that great 
picture, is not yours ? ” 


OCEA^TA’S GIKLHOOD 


179 


“ The four Gainsboroughs are mine,” said Lady 
Margaret, to do just what I will with. And now, my 
dears, I will leave you both to discuss that fact. I do not 
wish to have the pictures touched at the present moment, 
later on it may be done. I am going to my room to lie 
down.” 

‘‘ How very strange mums looks,” said Margaret, when 
she was alone with her brother. 

I cannot make it out,” said Percival ; the Gains- 
boroughs belong absolutely to mother! Why, they are 
the gems of the collection. Can it be true ? ” 

Of course it is true, Percy. Do you think mums 
would tell a lie ? ” 

Oh, of course not,” said the young man. All the 
same,” he added, she is very much altered. Well, 
Maggie, I trust you will be happy in your new life. And 
now I am going out for a stroll. You will be busy 
enough during the next fortnight, putting your house in 
order here.” 

‘‘ That’s true enough,” replied Margaret. I shall 
have heaps to do and no time to spare.” 

She looked at her brother with a sparkle of mischief 
in her face. 

I think I guess where you are going,” she said. 

You might give her my love.” 

Pereival’s face reddened. Then he said quietly: 

Margaret, do you guess ? ” 

Yes, of course I guess, you silly old Percy.” 

She held out her hand as she spoke. 

Best congrats, old man,” she continued, you have 
chosen a fine girl, unsophisticated, very beautiful, very 
much out of the common. I wish you luck with all my 
heart.” 


180 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


“ Thanks, mj dear sister.’^ 

Percival dropped into a chair. He gave up on the 
spot his previous intention of going out for a walk. He 
bent forward, clasping his hands round one knee. 

Margaret,’’ he said, I mean to marry her.” 

Of course you do.” 

At the present moment she hates me,” continued 
Percival. 

Margaret whistled softly under her breath. Then 
she said in a quiet tone : Anything in all the world is 
better than absolute indiiference.” 

I know, I know,” he answered, and I mean to 
win her. I shall conquer her absolutely; Margaret, I 
feel nearly mad about her ! ” 

Keep your head, old boy. You are much more likely 
to win in this race of yours if you do. And now, don’t 
forget my message, and tell her also, please, that I am 
coming to Glenleven to see her some day soon.” 

Percival’s face, which had flushed when he spoke of 
his love for Oceana to his sister, now paled again. It 
was true that he was desperately, terribly in love, that 
Oceana represented to him the whole world. Was she 
not his first, his only love ? Had he not loved her from 
that day long years ago when he had seen her as the 
mermaid in the cave, when she had flouted him and 
spoken rudely to him and told him to leave her. Then 
had not her rare and special beauty dazzled him, so 
that he could not forget her, try as he would, try as he 
might ? 

As he passed through the hall now he looked at the 
clock, which pointed to five. He would have plenty of 
time; the Huntingdons did not dine until half-past 
seven. The next minute he was walking rapidly across 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


181 


the pleasant fields which divided Fanborough from Glen- 
leven Lodge. Soon he had found the turnstile which 
opened into the Huntingdon’s grounds and a minute or 
two later he was walking swiftly up the avenue, his heart 
beating fast, his eyes sparkling with excitement. 

A girl was standing on the lawn. It was the tennis 
lawn, and the girl was wearing a very graceful and very 
becoming tennis costume. It was made of pale blue 
linen, and her hat was of the same delicate shade. She 
was playing idly with some balls, throwing them over the 
net and then running to catch them in order to throw 
them back again. Every movement of her lithe young 
figure was at once graceful and betokened the perfection 
of strength. She heard a footstep approaching, the 
crunching sound of gravel being trodden on came to her 
quick ears. She turned abruptly and her eyes met those 
of Percival Manners. 

Oceana’s very blue eyes assumed a colour now which 
made them almost black. Her heart beat furiously. 
She dropped her tennis bat, and after a brief hesitation, 
advanced a few steps, then stood still. Her first impulse 
had been to turn and walk into the house, but from this 
step she refrained. She remembered her compact with 
Percival — that they would be outwardly civil to each 
other. He liked her, so he told her ; she hated him, so 
she told him. They were in what is usually called ^ good 
society,’ and must conform to the rules of the game. 
They must not allow their hatred or their liking to ap- 
pear for a single moment. 

Percival came up eagerly. His eyes spoke volumes. 
Oceana held out her hand. 

How do you do ? ” she said. 

How are you ? ” he replied. I have been away in 


182 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


London ever since the night of our party, or I would 
have called before.” 

Oceana simulated a yawn. 

When was your party ? ” she said. It seems a 
long, long time ago.” 

He was quick to seize the compliment, which he knew 
well was not implied. 

I am glad it seems long to you,” he said. 

Then he saw that she frowned and clenched one well- 
developed hand tightly together. 

I have come here,” he said, with a message from 
Margaret. Margaret and I have been spending the last 
few days in London. What do you think we were 
doing ? ” 

Not knowing, I cannot say,” replied Oceana. 

We were buying furniture for her flat. Buying it 
out and out, you understand. The very best and strong- 
est deal furniture that the market can produce. We 
could have got oak and walnut for less money, but 
Margaret insisted on deal, for she said it would not 
frighten people, only it had to be good. We have bought 
everything now, even to her funny little deal bedstead 
and her charming deal dresser in her sitting-room. The 
place looks quite unique, very simple, very unlike any- 
thing else. May I walk with you for a few minutes, 
Miss Barfoot % ” 

Certainly,” said Oceana, turning leisurely. I am 
glad,” she continued, that Miss Manners has furnished 
her flat. When is she going to live in it ? ” 

In exactly a fortnight from now. She is very busy 
indeed, but she sent you a message.” 

Ah, yes, thank her veiy much. You have not given 
it me yet.” 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


183 


I have not. She wishes to see you before she leaves 
and hopes to give herself the pleasure of calling on you.” 

Oceana now raised her clear blue eyes and fixed them 
on PercivaVs face. 

Perhaps she had better not come,” she said, quietly, 
for,” her lips trembled ; just for a minute she seemed 
to struggle with herself. Then she said in a tone of deep 
distress, Mr. Manners, I must speak out — there is no 
use in it. I admire your sister. There is something 
about her which, under ordinary circumstances, would 
draw me to her. I should respect her, I might even learn 
to love her, hut- — I must never love any of you.” 

And why ? ” asked Percival, in amazement. Oh, 
Miss Barfoot, if you would tell me why.” 

That is what I cannot understand myself,” replied 
Oceana. I have spoken to you, or, if not to you, to your 
sister about ^ feels ’ down, down very deep in the heart. 
Well, I have those strange, strange feels with regard to 
your mother and you; in a lesser degree, also, with re- 
gard to your sister.” 

You puzzle me more than I have words to express,” 
replied the young man. You are interested enough in 
us to have, as you express it, deep down ‘ feels ^ with 
regard to us, and yet you — Miss Barfoot, you contradict 
yourself, we cannot be people of absolute indifference to 
you if you are conscious of a peculiar sensation with 
regard to us.” 

That is just the point,” said Oceana. I have a 
very peculiar and a very remarkable sensation with re- 
gard to you all. First and foremost, with regard to your 
mother ; next, with regard to you ; third, with regard to 
Miss Manners, and last, but not least, with regard to 
the beautiful place, Fanborough. But I cannot tell you 


184 


OCEAISTA’S GIKLHOOD 


what I feel, I cannot explain, it is inexplicable, but it is 
there. Do you remember the night I dined with you '5 
Well I am afraid you will laugh at me. I felt like a 
girl walking in a dream, I could not understand what was 
happening. ISTothing was strange, nothing was un- 
natural, I knew precisely where the great drawing-rooms 
were, and that big, dark dining-room did not amaze me 
in the least. And when you took me to the picture- 
gallery after dinner and showed me the famous Gains- 
borough, the great picture of your ancestress, Lady 
Francesca Manners, it seemed to me that I knew all 
about that face — ^that noble figure also — it is very queer 
— it is more strange than I can express — but it seemed 
to me — yes, all the evening it seemed to me that you — 
you, Mr. Manners, and your mother and your sister were 
interlopers, and that I — oh! of course you will laugh, 
a nobody, a girl drawn out of the sea, was the real owner 
of Fanborough. The sensation is the very strangest, but 
it has haunted me ever since. I can speak to you quite 
frankly, you see. And now I have something else to say 
— oh! please donT look so shocked and pained, please 
don’t think I am a mad girl, I am not, not a bit — but 
from the time Lady Margaret took me up and noticed me 
and, and, paid all that money for my education, I had a 
sensation about her which is impossible to describe. She 
was more than kind to me, and yet — oh ! I know I must 
not abuse your mother to you ! ” 

“ You must not,” said Manners. He kept gazing at 
the girl, looking at her with all his heart in his eyes, 
wondering at her, not laughing at her in the very least. 

And now I have something more to say,” continued 
Oceana. Do you know, a strange thing has happened 
just now while I am talking to you — my dislike to you 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


185 


personally seems to melt away. I feel that, personally, 
you are on my side. Please don’t speak — please don’t 
say a word to spoil the first symptoms of my toleration 
to you. Now let me go on with my story. Your mother 
educated me. It was through your mother I got this post 
at Glenleven Lodge. It was through your mother I knew 
some of the dearest people I ever met — the Huntingdons 
— and your mother did something else — too wonderful 
— she saved my dear old foster-parents from ruin. She 
paid the debt on the Ridge Farm; I heard all about it 
by letter this morning. Mr. Manners, my people — those 
whom I love best on earth — the people who took me in 
as a babe and were father and mother to me — my father 
and mother, my brothers and sisters — Mr. Manners, they 
cannot accept a favour from your mother — am going 
to see them about it. They must pay her back the money, 
they must leave the Ridge Farm. I say it, Mr. Man- 
ners — they must do it.” 

The young man sprang towards her. Before she could 
prevent him he had taken her hand in his. 

“ Listen, listen, you must listen. You are altogether 
too wonderful, but it is my turn to speak now.” 


CHAPTEK XX 


Percival Manners had never so completely forgot- 
ten himself. At the moment when he sprang forward to 
seize Oceana’s hands, he seemed at that very moment also 
to leap into his full manhood. He was no longer the shy, 
awkward boy, he was no longer the pallid, uninteresting 
young man, he was a man in the truest sense of the word. 
The passion that blazed in his eyes, that trembled in his 
voice, appealed to something in Oceana which she could 
not account for. It is true she drew her hands away from 
his, but gently ; she waited for him to speak, she was no 
longer indignant, nor horrified, nor rude, nor haughty. 

I have something to say,” he gasped. It is this. 
I love you. Yes, I love you, with all my heart and soul 
and strength. I have loved you from the moment, years 
ago, when I saw you as Oceana of the Cave. You 
flouted me, you were rude to me, but your eyes stole into 
my heart, your voice took possession of it, your beauty 
seized me, so that I could scarcely contain myself, and 
ever since that hour I have gone on loving you. Oh, it 
is madness, I know it is madness! But I must speak. 
You cannot despise a love like mine, it is given to you, 
not because of anything else, but just because you are 
the most beautiful, most splendid girl on God’s earth. 
You say that you do not feel a sense of strangeness at 
Fanborough. Oh, Oceana, make it your home; come 
186 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 187 

there and be my wife. Oh, my darling ; Oh, my 
darling ! ” 

“ Hnsh ! ” said Oceana. You are right to say you 
are mad to speak like this.” 

Granted. But listen to my madness. Do not turn 
me away, you have too much heart to do that. I have 
never looked at another woman — I have never once 
thought of another. Before I saw you I was too young, 
and since I saw you I had no room for anyone else. 
You filled every gap, your image — ^your beautiful im- 
age — came first of all. You cannot despise such love.” 

I cannot,” replied Oceana, very gently, but ” 

Don’t give me up to despair. I did not mean to 
speak to-day, I hoped to win you slowly, but all of a 
sudden I had to leap across the barrier and tell you 
what I felt. Oceana you have admitted that I am toler- 
able to you. Can I not be more than merely tolerable ? 
Can I not be yours, yours ? Oh, Oceana, is it not possi- 
ble for you to return my love ? ” 

The girl lowered her eyes until her black lashes rested 
on her cheeks. 

We shall all welcome you,” continued the young 
man. My mother, Margaret — you don’t know what 
you will be to us. I am rich — I do not want money — I 
want you and you only. Oceana, say you will be 
mine ! ” 

I cannot,” was the low answer. You know per- 
fectly well that I cannot.” 

But there is no reason for this, none whatsoever. 
Do you love another man ? ” 

You have no right to ask me that question,” said 
Oceana, but I will reply. I have never loved any man. 
— I do not want to.” 


188 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


Maj I not try to win you by degrees ? Will you not 
take a month, two months, three months, to think this 
over? May I not promise, here and now, not to touch 
upon the subject again for three whole months, and at 
the end of that time may I come to you for your 
answer ? ” 

It would be unkind and unfair to you,” replied 
Oceana, for I could only say what I say now, that I 
can never, never marry you. Thank you all the same 
for your words, and thank you for your — your love. Be- 
lieve me, I am not ungrateful, but you will find another 
girl in your own rank of life to care for and adore, a 
girl worthy to be the successor of Lady Francessca 
Manners.” 

Who can be more worthy than you — you who are 
the very image of her? Oceana, do not drive me to 
despair.” 

Percival,” said the girl, you have said enough ; 
leave me now. You have disturbed me, and I shall be 
late for dinner.” 

She moved towards the house without looking back. 
Percival Manners stood perfectly still after she had left 
him. Then slowly he retraced his steps, went through 
the turnstile which divided the two estates, and reached 
Fanborough just in time to dress for dinner. His blood 
was boiling. Notwithstanding Oceana’s refusal, he was 
not without a wild, tempestuous sort of hope. He had 
never seen her softer than she was to-day. She had 
revealed a new side to him, and he saw possibilities, 
the great possibilities of her nature. If he had loved her 
when she had scarcely deigned him one single word, his 
love for her now assumed such proportions that he 
could scarcely steady his overexcited nerves. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


189 


I will win, whatever happens, I will win her,” he 
said to himself. 

At dinner time Lady Margaret scarcely spoke. She 
complained of headache, and desired the electric light 
at her end of the table to be turned off. Thus she sat 
in shadow, while her son and daughter were in bright, 
comparative sunshine. Margaret was still in a highly 
loquacious state of mind. Percival was as silent as his 
mother. Margaret noticed his silence, and guessed 
that something had happened. Lady Margaret also 
observed it, but, as she had not seen him walk across the 
grounds in the direction of Glenleven, she only partly 
guessed the cause. 

When dinner was over, the young man stayed behind 
to smoke a cigarette. It was Margaret’s habit, as a rule, 
to join her brother at these moments; but to-night she 
noticed how sad and weary Lady Margaret looked, 
and, linking her hand within her arm, drew her into the 
drawing-room. There she sat on a low seat at her 
mother’s feet. Margaret was not a demonstrative young 
woman, but she was quite tender to Lady Margaret that 
night. 

Mums,” she said, you are wearing yourself out. 
You are not old in years, nevertheless you are an old 
woman. What can be the matter ? ” 

There is one thing that I hate,” replied Lady Mar- 
garet, and that is being watched. I see your eyes 
always fixed on my face, trying to read a secret in my 
poor old features, and Percy is getting nearly as bad.” 

But, mums, why should not we be anxious about 
you ? How old are you really ? ” 

Forty-five my last birthday,” replied Lady Mar- 
garet. 


190 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


“ Well, now, I am going to be quite frank,” said 
Margaret: ‘^you look quite fifty-five, and there is no 
earthly reason for it. You have every blessing the 
heart of woman could desire, heaps of money, a beauti- 
ful place, a devoted son, and — notwithstanding her ec- 
centricities — a devoted daughter.” 

I am not unmindful of my blessings, Margaret” 

That is where I differ from you, mums. I think 
you are strangely unmindful of them. For years I 
have seen a cloud gradually settling down upon you.” 

No, Margaret, no,” said Lady Margaret, and her 
tone was one of very deep dejection. 

There now,” said the girl, your very voice assures 
me that such is the case. What can be the matter? 
Do you know, I remember you quite well before that 
cloud came between you and happiness. You were a 
widow, of course, my darling father was dead; but 
you — ^you loved his memory — you revered it — and you 
were not unhappy with your two children, Percy and 
Margaret. Then darling Percival got ill, and afterwards 
you went to stay with Sir Charles Dyke and his wife, 
and from that instant a cloud, no bigger than a man’s 
hand, began to be perceptible. You remember, dearest, 
when you dragged me away from an English school 
which I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated — that dear, 
dear college at Cheltenham, where that noble woman. 
Miss Beale, was my example of all that is fine in life — 
and you took me to dull, dreary Dresden. Oh, how 
I hated it! And you were wretched all the time, poor 
mums, although you pretended to keep in your misery. 
I am going to tell you about one night I remember. I 
slept, you recollect, in a room adjoining yours, and in 
the middle of the night I heard you cry. You gave a 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


191 


sharp sort of sudden cry, and I sprang out of bed. 
You were sitting up in bed and your eyes were wide 
open; but you did not see me, you only said, over and 
over again, ^ Take her away — take her away — she is not 
the child — ^she is not the child — take her away I ’ I 
soothed you as best I could, and you lay back and fell 
asleep again; and in the morning, when I reminded 
you, you had forgotten all about it. Mums, dear, that 
was years ago, and now you and I have come to the 
parting of the ways. I go my way — ^you go yours ; and 
I should like to know who she is, and why she was to 
be taken away, and why you declared so emphatically 
that she was not the child. Mother, who do you 
mean ? ” 

“ Margaret,’’ said Lady Margaret, did I ever say 
anything like that again ? ” 

I do not remember you ever saying anything like 
that, but you have always been a little off your equi- 
librium, and I never could account for it; and, poor old 
mums, I think you are really worrying yourself about 
something, and I am sure you ought to confide in me, 
for what is a girl for, if her mother can’t confide in 
her ? ” 

Oh ! that I could, Meg,” said Lady Margaret ; 

but I never, never can.” 

Then there is something,” said Margaret ; there 
is a secret weighing on your heart.” 

“ Oh, I haven’t said so. Don’t catch up my words.” 

You have admitted as much.” 

Well, keep it to yourself. Let us talk of something 
else. We all have our Bluebeard cupboards, all of us, 
dear, as we grow older; we all have little secret places 
we do not want anyone to explore; and only the God 


192 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


who made us and only the new life can bring us out 
fresh, and clean, and spotless once again. 

Poor mums ! Well, Percy will be a good son to 
you, and when he marries I expect you will like his 
wife.” 

When he marries, my dear Margaret ? ” 

Well, mother, what more likely than that he should 
marry ? He is twenty-three years of age, and of course 
you want him to marry.” 

Naturally; but not quite yet — that would be too 
hard.” 

But, darling, you can’t prevent him if he wishes 

to.” 

Certainly not,” said Lady Margaret. She felt a 
sudden sense of growing terror. So great was it that 
it was with the utmost difficulty she restrained her 
emotion. 

Margaret,” she said, have you any reason for 
saying this ? ” 

Well, I think I have,” said Margaret. 

Oh, my dear, tell me. What do you allude to ? ” 

I think — only he ought to tell you himself — that 
Percy is immensely attracted by that beautiful girl who 
lives at the Huntingdons’, Oceana Barfoot.” 

But he cannot marry her,” said Lady Margaret. 

Oh, darling, why not ? ” 

“ She is a nobody,” said Lady Margaret. 

She is a lady,” replied Margaret. 

I repeat she is a nobody, and he cannot marry her. 
He must clearly understand that from the very first. 
I will never give my consent, never.” 

Now, mums, don’t tremble so violently. You dis- 
like poor, beautiful Oceana.” 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


193 


I hate her, and no wonder,” said Lady Margaret. 

But, dearest, why ? ” 

“ She is an ungrateful minx, for whom I have done 
much.” 

You have indeed done a great deal, and I cannot 
understand her attitude towards you, but doubtless it 
will pass — at least, I hope it will — and you will find 
out her good points. You know, dear, that Percy does 
not want to marry money, nor even rank, and we don’t 
know anything about Oceana’s parentage, for, poor 
little girl, she was drawn out of the sea when she was 
a baby, and nobody knows her name, her real name, 
but there is one thing certain about her, she’s a per- 
fectly splendid girl, so unsophisticated, so unworldly, 
and so very beautiful, mother, and think how like she 
is to the great Lady Francesca — our celebrated ances- 
tress.” 

I won’t have it. I won’t listen to the idea. Such 
a marriage would drive me mad,” said Lady Mar- 
garet. 

It was just at this moment that Percival entered 
the room. The electric light, softened by innumerable 
shades, cast a pleasant glow over the beautiful room, a 
welcome fire was burning in the grate, a window was 
open in the distant bay, for the night was at once 
chilly with the first beginning of autumn and warm 
enough to demand the fresh night air. 

Percy, his eyes wild, his cheeks flushed with excite- 
ment, strode across the room. He came straight up to 
his mother and seized both her hands. 

What have you done with the great Gains- 
borough ? ” he said. 

13 


194 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


The moment He took her hands he dropped them. 
Margaret sprang from her low position by her mother’s 
side. 

Be careful,” she said to her brother, see how white 
she is. She is not very strong.” 

She is strong enough to answer my question,” 
answered Manners. ^LSpeak to me, mother. Tell me 
at once. What have you done with the great Gains- 
borough? The one — you know which I mean — the 
one like Oceana ? ” 

I have sold it,” replied Lady Margaret, speaking 
very calmly, because I wanted the money. I have 
been a little hard up, several expenses had to be met. 
The picture is on its way to America — ^you will never 
see it again. It doesn’t matter. You cannot blame 
me for parting with my own.” 

But I can hate you,” said the man, and he strode 
out of the room, slamming the door violently after 
him. 

Lady Margaret sank back faint and exhausted. Eor 
a time she could not speak, and Margaret was really 
alarmed about her. She went into the next room and 
brought back a restorative for her mother to take. 

Now, mum,” she said, speaking in her cheerful, 
matter-of-fact voice, you must get over your trembles. 
You are really too dramatic for anything. And as to 
Percy, he is becoming just as bad. Now, dear, you are 
better, aren’t you ? ” 

“ Yes, better,” said Lady Margaret, bringing the 
words out with difficulty from her trembling lips. 

Margaret sat down again by her mother’s side. She 
took one of the widow’s icy cold hands between her own. 

Really,” she said, “ if you go on much longer in 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


195 


this fashion you will make me so uncomfortable that I 
shall give up my dear little flat in town, notwithstanding 
the fact that it is furnished with all that lovely deal 
furniture, and stay at home to look after you.” 

“ I wish you would, Margaret,” said the poor woman. 

When you speak to me as you do to-night I feel that 
you are very near me. Oh, Margaret, did I hear 
aright ? Did Percy — did Percy really say that he 
hated me ? ” 

“ Mother, darling, you must not listen — I mean, 
you must not heed what people say when they are beside 
themselves with rage. Percival was naturally fright- 
fully upset about the picture; and you must have been 
dreaming, darling, when you said that you had sold the 
great Gainsborough, and as to your wanting money, why, 
surely, dearest, that is quite absurd.” 

‘‘ I did want money for a particular use,” said 
Lady Margaret, bringing out the lie as best she could 
through her dry lips. 

Well, mumsey, all I can say is this, that I am thor- 
oughly ashamed of you. You know I have some money 
of my own, not much, but a little, and Percy could 
easily have lent you what you require out of the 
estate. But to sell the Gainsborough — the Gains- 
borough — the lady, the beautiful Lady Francesca, oh, 
mother, you really did a barbaric act ! I don’t wonder 
that Percival is furious.” 

It isn’t because of the picture,” said Lady Mar- 
garet, it is because of that girl, that terrible girl, who 
comes between me and my peace.” 

“ You are a mystery, and I fail to understand you,” 
said Margaret, but now you look white and tired. I 
will take you myself up to your room, and Dawson shall 


196 


OCEAIsrA’S GIKLHOOD 


look after you and give you your soothing drops, so that 
you will fall off into a quiet sleep. When you wake 
in the morning you will feel that all this has been a 
bad dream. I am not going to see you put upon, so 
donH think it, dear. And, of course, Percy has for- 
gotten by this time that he spoke such strong lan- 
guage.’' 

There is no doubt whatever that Lady Margaret 
was as weak as a child that night. She had dreaded 
inexpressibly the moment when her son would discover 
that she had sold the great Gainsborough, but when the 
moment arrived it proved to be far worse than she had 
for a single moment imagined that it would be. Her 
terror, the blaze of anger in her son’s eyes, his look of 
withering contempt, the way he hurled out the words 
at her : But I can hate you ! ” echoed and echoed 

and echoed yet again in her brain. She was glad to lie 
down, to take her drops, which an eminent physician 
had long ago prescribed, and by-and-by she did sink 
into uneasy slumber. 

I did it all, all for him, and he hates me ! ” was 
her very last waking thought. 

When she had seen her mother safely placed in Daw- 
son’s kind care, Margaret went off to find her brother. 
He was not in the house. Margaret wandered through 
the grounds; presently she saw him, leaning against a 
fence. He was smoking a pipe, and when he heard 
her footsteps, he looked round, flung the pipe aside, 
and came to meet her. 

Percy, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.” 

Ought I, and why ? ” he said. 

For speaking as you did just now to our mo- 
ther.” 


OCEAm^S GIKLHOOD 


1971 


But, Margaret, you don’t know what she has done. 
That picture, the image of Oceana, why did she sell 
it ? The excuse about money I don’t tolerate for a 
moment, for I happen to know that it is not true. 
Margaret, what does it mean ? ” 

I cannot tell you,” answered the girl. 

“ It means something,” said the man. 

It does,” said Margaret. 

They walked on quietly side by side. 

I will get that picture hack,” said Percival. I 
won’t rest until it is returned to its old niche in the 
gallery. 

Percy, has it ever occurred to you — I hardly like 
to mention the idea — that on some subjects mother is — 
is — a little ” — she touched her forehead — a little oif 
her balance ? ” 

Ho, it never has,” said Percival. He spoke almost 
roughly. Our mother has as keen a brain as any 
woman I have ever met.” 

Then she carries a secret,” said Margaret. 

Percival was silent. After a minute’s pause he said : 

I went to see Oceana to-day. Good God ! how her 
voice, her face, her manner fired my blood. I did 
not mean to speak to her for months, but I said every- 
thing to-day. She thought I was mad, perhaps I 
was.” 

You told Oceana to-day that you — ^you loved her, 
Percy ? ” 

I told her everything. I showed her my heart. 
She looked right in — I gave her the chance.” 

^^Ah, Percival.” Margaret clung to her brother. 

There is something queer about you,” she said, some- 


198 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


thing new and queer. And she — how did she like that 
peep into jour heart ? ” 

She would have none of me — she scorned me as 
though I were a beggar suing for the hand of a princess. 
But I will win her jet. I vow before God that I will 
win her jet.” 


CHAPTER XXI 


Lady Margaret awoke in the early morning. The 
birds were singing in the trees outside. The south 
window of her room was open, and the sweet, faint per- 
fume of summer still lingered in the air; it came in and 
filled the chamber. Lady Margaret lay very quiet; the 
soothing drops were still having a beneficial effect upon 
her. Her troubles were there, but they did not seem 
to he so close, they were not far off, hut at a little dis- 
tance. Instead of gripping at her heart, as they had 
done on the previous night, they seemed to wait for 
her as far away as the foot of the bed. She felt that she 
could tolerate them as long as they waited there. Her 
greatest desire was not to think, to shut away thought, 
to forget everything. 

Her maid always visited her with a cup of tea and 
some slices of hot, buttered toast at six in the morning. 
Lady Margaret was an early riser. She was particular 
about her first cup of tea. It was always most daintily 
served, and made from some special blend which she had 
prepared for herself in London. 

The maid entered at her usual hour that morning, 
hut she trod softly, for Miss Manners had given her 
strict directions on no account to wake Lady Margaret. 
When she saw her mistress, however, lying supported by 
pillows in a semi-sitting position, with her eyes wide 
199 


200 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


open, the woman smiled, and said, cheerfully: ‘‘Ah, 
madam, I am so very glad that you are better.” 

“ Yes, Dawson, I am much better,” replied the lady. 
“ Put my tea there, and prepare my bath for me ; I shall 
want it in about half-an-hour.” 

“ I was to give you this note, madam — ^that is, if 
you happened to be awake.” 

“ Thank you,” said Lady Margaret. “ Just lay it 
on the tray with the tea.” 

Dawson did so. Before she left the room she went to 
the windows and drew up the blinds. She let in a 
flood of sunlight. Lady Margaret glanced round the 
beautiful room impatiently. She longed to be alone; 
she longed to seize the note which had been sent to her, 
the contents of which and the writer of which she al- 
ready guessed about. It was with difficulty she could 
keep in her impatience and not desire the maid to leave 
the room at once. But at last Dawson was gone. Lady 
Margaret sat up a little higher in bed. She felt as she 
did so that the troubles were coming a bit nearer, and 
that if she did not keep them at bay they would clutch 
once again at her heart-strings. 

She took the note, and with fingers that trembled, 
tore it open. She had guessed that it would come from 
Percival. It was in his handwriting. She opened it 
and read the following words: — 

“ Dear Mother, — I am sorry I spoke roughly last 
night, but what has happened must be repaired, or I 
must know the reason why. I wish to tell you now quite 
plainly and simply that I am going to get the Gains- 
borough back again, whatever sum such a quest may cost 
me. I shall not return to Fanborough until I come with 
the picture. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


201 


At the same time it is as well for you to know that 
I have asked Oceana Barfoot to be my wife. I love her, 
mother, I have loved her for years. In saying this I 
have said all. I never intend to marry anybody else — 
I will marry Oceana, come what may. At present she 
scorns me and refuses to have anything to do with my 
love; but, mother, she is not indifferent — that, at least 
I am certain of. When I bring back the Gainsborough 
I will seek Oceana again. Meanwhile, do not expect to 
hear from me, for I shall be exceedingly busy. 

My London agent will supply you with all the 
moneys that you can require for the keeping up of the 
place. Take care of yourself, and believe me to be — 
notwithstanding that dark cloud which seems to have 
come between us — ever your affectionate son, 

Percival Manners.” 

Oh, my boy ! ” gasped the poor mother. She allowed 
the letter to drop from her hands. It lay on the 
white counterpane. She forgot her tea, she could not 
touch her dainty toast. She lay perfectly still, while 
the awful shadow of mental pain came closer and closer 
— and closer. 

It was for you I did it,” thought Lady Margaret. 
And then she lay perfectly still, thinking deeply — 
thinking so hard and with such an effort, that her very 
pain remained in abeyance, so great was her mental 
toil. 

When Dawson came to say that her bath was ready, 
Lady Margaret rose and tottered towards the bath-room. 
Then she remembered that she had not taken her tea. 
She recollected also that the servants would notice that 
she had not touched it. She drank it off, cold and 


202 


OCEAKA’S GIELHOOD 


nauseous as it had now become, and ate a morsel of 
toast. She then had a bath in the adjoining room, 
went back and dressed herself carefully, and soon after 
half-past seven was downstairs. She had put on her 
gardening hat and little, light woolen shawl. She went 
into the grounds. One of the grooms was standing 
about; he met her and touched his hat. 

I was to tell you, my lady,, from Mr. Percival, that 
he caught his train and was in good time.^’ 

Thank you, Barnes. You drove him, then, did 
you ? ” 

Yes, my lady.” 

Lady Margaret forced herself to say something else 
in a pleasant tone to the man, and then moved slowly 
towards the flower garden. 

At breakfast time she and Margaret met. 

Why, mums, you have been up early,” said 
Margaret. 

'No earlier than usual, dear,” was the reply. 

But you seemed so ill last night.” 

1 am quite well to-day,” was the answer. 

I am so delighted to hear that. Do let us have a 
good breakfast, I am so hungry. I wonder if that lazy 
old Percy will be as late as usual.” 

Lady Margaret made no reply. The meal was abun- 
dant and good. Margaret ate with the appetite of a 
young and healthy woman; Lady Margaret played with 
her food. When breakfast was over she rose slowly, 
and going to the girl, dropped the letter which Percival 
had written into her lap. 

Bead that,” she said. I am going up to my 
private room, my boudoir, and do not wish to be dis- 
turbed until lunch time.” 


OCEA^^A’S GIRLHOOD 


203 


Before Alargaret could read a word of the letter, her 
mother had disappeared. 

The moment Lady Margaret reached her room she 
locked the door. There was a small fire laid in the 
grate, but in this room, which faced due south, it had 
not been yet lit this season. Lady Margaret was an 
adept, however, at lighting fires, and she put a match 
now to the coals and wood, and soon had a cheerful 
blaze crackling up the chimney. When the fire was 
safely lighted, and was not likely to go out. Lady Mar- 
garet went to a bureau in one corner of the room. She 
took from an inner pocket which she wore under her 
dress a small bunch of highly-polished keys. She 
selected one key, with which she opened the little 
writing bureau. When it was open, she touched a 
spring, and revealed to view, a small, but somewhat 
shallow drawer. 

The drawer contained a packet of letters, neatly tied 
together. Lady Margaret took them out; her hand no 
longer shook. The great trembling and weakness which 
had assailed her the night before had departed. She sat 
down by her writing-table, and unfastening the string 
which held the letters together, placed them before her. 
There were four letters in all. She looked at them 
steadily. They were numbered 1, 2, 3, 4. She took 
number 1 out of its envelope, and read its contents. 
They were quite brief and were written in a manly hand. 
She then found number 2. This was evidently written 
in the same writing, but the hand was somewhat shaky 
and tremulous. Humber 3 was in a totally different 
handwriting, and number 4, which had on its envelope 
the words, Final news of the child and her protector,” 
caused Lady Margaret such evident agony that she could 


204 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


not read it without pressing her handkerchief to her 
eyes and moaning heavily. At last the four letters were 
read. 

I ought to have destroyed them long ago,” thought 
the woman. I kept them all these years to my own 
detriment and danger, hut the time has come for me to 
give them back to that world of chaos and forgetfulness 
from which they have sprung. They are the last link — 
yes, the very last link — ^when they go, all goes. Percival 
will never discover the picture of the Lady Francesca. 
Because a girl has a face which resembles it, does that 
fact give the whole show away ? Do I want my son, 
notwithstanding the misery he has caused me, to sink 
down, down into poverty and disgrace ? ISTo, to the 
last I will be faithful to that bitter task which I have 
set myself, and I will at last destroy the letters ! ” 

Lady Margaret walked across the room with a firm 
step. She laid the four letters on the hot bed of living 
coal, and watched them as they disappeared into ashes. 
When they were all gone — when not a trace of them 
remained — she relocked her bureau, and put the bright 
bunch of keys back into her inner pocket. She then 
sat and thought. 

This, beyond doubt, will make all safe,” she said to 
herself. 

When she came down to lunch. Lady Margaret was 
much more cheerful than she had been in the morning. 
Her eyes were bright, and her old courage and vigour 
had returned to her. 

Mums,” said Margaret, when the servants had 
left them alone, I have been thinking over matters, 
and I am quite sure that Susan Grey would take my flat 
from me for three months at least. She is dying to 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


205 


have just such a happy niche all to herself, and I am 
certain the flat would suit her. I don’t think it is right 
to leave you in your present highly nervous condition 
without any child to look after you. So unless you 
forbid me to do so, I will write to Susan this afternoon. 
Percy had no right whatever to go away and leave you, 
hut having done so, it is my duty to see after you.” 

No, Margaret,” said Lady Margaret, I wish for 
no change. I am accustomed to being alone. I cannot 
understand Percival’s attitude, hut whatever he chooses 
to do or to think, I shall never forget that I am his 
mother.” 

Then, darling, you will not stay here, in this great 
lonely place, during the coming winter. You will come 
to London, won’t you? You will be so much happier 
there.” 

No, Margaret, I shall not come to London. I shall 
stay where I am. An occasional visit to town I may 
make, but my place is at home. I am proud, notwith- 
standing all that has happened, to be able to look after 
Percival’s place. He will find in the long run, however 
much he may misdoubt me now, that there is no friend 
like a mother.” 

Granted, dear, granted,” said the daughter. But 
all the same,” she added, I doubt very much if I 
shall take possession of my flat until I see you looking 
better.” 

My dear Margaret,” said her mother, “ do you mind 
ringing the bell ? ” 

Margaret did so. The servant appeared almost im- 
mediately. 

Have the motor-car brought round, please, and at 
once,” said Lady Margaret. Yes, my lady,” said the 
man, and he withdrew. 


206 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


Are you going for a long drive, mums ? May I 
go with you ? ” 

I would rather you did not, Margaret. I am 
going to Glenleven to see the Huntingdons.” 

Oh, I should like to go,” said Margaret. I want 
to have a chat with Oceana. I promised to see her 
before I went away.” 

You can go to-morrow morning, dear, or to-morrow 
afternoon, or any other time you please. I wish to go 
now, and I wish to go alone.” 

Margaret said nothing further. The motor-car was 
brought round, and Lady Margaret, elegantly dressed, 
her face smiling, her cares hidden as though she had 
none on earth, stepped into the comfortable car, and was 
driven to Glenleven Lodge. Through the grounds the 
way to Glenleven was so short as to be nothing more 
than a pleasant walk, but round the road it was a matter 
of a few miles. Lady Margaret’s motor, however, dashed 
up to the front door soon after three o’clock. Mrs. 
Huntingdon was seated by one of the open windows 
in her drawing-room. Her husband was out in a dis- 
tant part of his grounds, superintending some rather 
important farming operations. He was a great farmer, 
and did his work on modern scientific principles. Mrs. 
Huntingdon rose at once to greet her friend. 

How do you do ? ” she said. I am glad to see 
you. Won’t you come in ? ” 

I want to have a chat with you, quite by yourself,” 
said Lady Margaret. Are we likely to be inter- 
rupted ? ” 

No, I have given directions to say that no other 
visitors are to be admitted. Edward is out, and won’t 
be in till half-past four, and Oceana is not at home.” 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


207 


Oh — ah — that is all right,” said Lady Margaret. 
She seated herself in an easy-chair and faced her 
friend. 

I want to talk to you in great confidence, Lucia,” 
she said. I cannot conceal from you that I am anxious 
just now. A good deal is at stake. In short, the happi- 
ness of my beloved only son. He has failed to under- 
stand how deep and true is his mother’s love for him, 
and has left me for a short time unexpectedly and in 
painful circumstances.” 

Mrs. Huntingdon made no remark. She looked full 
into Lady Margaret’s troubled face. 

You have judged for yourself,” continued the 
widow. You must have seen that I have not been very 
cordial with regard to your adopted child.” 

To be frank with you, Margaret,” replied Mrs. 
Huntingdon, “ neither you nor Oceana have been 
pleasant each to the other. I fail to understand your 
attitude, and the matter has given me considerable dis- 
tress.” 

You like the girl for herself,” said Lady 
Margaret. 

To me and my husband she is sweet. But, if you 
dislike her, she seems, in an unaccountable manner, 
equally to dislike you. I cannot account for it, and it 
troubles me not a little.” 

You say she is away at present ? ” 

Yes. She begged me most earnestly to let her go and 
see her foster-people, the Barfoots. She cried piteously 
about it, poor child, and neither Edward nor I could 
refuse her, so she started for Devonshire this morning, 
and I do not think can be back under a week.” 

I have come here with a proposal,” said Lady 


208 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


Margaret. Percival has — has fallen in love with your 
pretty protegee, I don’t for a moment deny her beauty, 
and I, Lucia — I — notwithstanding her intense dislike 
to myself — consent to the marriage — ^that is, if it can 
possibly take place.” 

You consent ! ” said Mrs. Huntingdon. You — 
you consent to the marriage of a girl who is a nobody 
with your son and heir.” 

I consent. I would rather he were happy than 
married to the most distinguished girl in England.” 

Oceana is distinguished enough in bearing and ap- 
pearance to pass in any rank,” said Mrs. Huntingdon. 

Still, this from you — this — -amazes me ! ” 

I want you,” said Lady Margaret, and she laid her 
hand on her friend’s arm, to forward and promote 
this marriage by every means in your power, but do 
not at present allow Miss Barfoot to think that I am in 
favour of the alliance. You can do much, my dear 
friend. You have known Percy since he was a boy. You 
profess to admire Oceana. The work I put into your 
hands must be congenial. Do your best. Ho, I will 
not stay to tea. Good-bye, dear, for the present.” 


CHAPTER XXII 


When Lady Margaret had left her, Mrs. Huntingdon 
sat very still. She was a woman with a good deal of 
quiet perception of character. She had always imagined 
until the present moment that she understood Lady 
Margaret — that is, up to a certain point. She regarded 
her friend as a woman of the world, a successful, dash- 
ing, handsome, independent woman of the great world. 
The sweetnesses of life and the tendernesses could not, 
in Mrs. Huntingdon’s opinion, ever come near Lady 
Margaret ; between her and them there was a gulf fixed ; 
they could not cross to her, nor could she pass to them. 
Mrs. Huntingdon had appraised Lady Margaret’s char- 
acter in such terms up to the present. The woman was 
a good woman, honourable, above reproach. She was 
kind to her children, hut neither of them understood 
her. Margaret understood her so little that she was 
going away to make a home of her own, and Percival, 
her darling, did not understand his mother either. Mrs. 
Huntingdon felt that, were these two her children, how 
differently she would have treated them. Her little 
Margaret would never want to leave home as long as 
mother was there, and her Percival would tell her all 
his secrets, revealing to her his anxieties, asking for her 
counsel, leaning on her sympathy. Mrs. Huntingdon 
was a woman who had longed with a passionate fervour 
U 209 


210 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


for children of her own. None had been given to her, 
nevertheless, the woman had been happy with her 

dream children.” They had surrounded her path, 
they had nestled close to her, they had taken her soft 
hand in theirs and slipped it round their imaginary 
little waists. They had looked with their imaginary 
blue eyes full into hers, and had called her mother.” 
How she had loved them! How she adored thinking 
out their future! Often and often this quiet woman 
would go away to her bedroom and lock the door, and call 
her dream children round her, and spend an intensely' 
happy hour in their society. She used to have imagi- 
nary talks with them. She called them at those times 
by the names she had bestowed upon them. 

Elfrida was the eldest; she was ten — never more and 
never less. She had long, straight, very light hair, and 
great, big blue eyes, and a sweet little rosebud mouth; 
and she held herself erect, and looked with fearless glad- 
ness not only into her mother’s face, but into her mother’s 
heart. Then there was Harold, so manly, so dark, so 
bold, so up to mischief, and yet so irresistible in his 
fun and humour. And there was also Daisy, dark, like 
her brother ; and lastly, Kenneth, who was neither dark 
nor fair. But whatever their complexions, these dream 
children had all straight hearts and open hands, they 
scorned the base, they adorned the lofty, the good, the 
true. 

Since the arrival of Oceana, Mrs. Huntingdon had 
not thought so much of her dream children. There was 
a child in the house, who, although just grown-up, 
was like a child of her own to the good woman. She 
loved to hear the girl speak, to watch the changeful 
fa<ie, to listen to the sweet, high-bred voice. She was 


OCEAi^A’S GIRLHOOD 


211 


always puzzled and amazed and delighted with Oceana ; 
nevertheless, it never occurred to her — never until now 
' — that she could be anyone else hut what she seemed — 
the little girl who, when she was a tiny baby, had been 
drawn out of the sea. 

After sitting for over an hour thinking of many things, 
past and present, Mrs. Huntingdon rose and began to 
pace the room. She had come up to an absolutely new’ 
aspect of Lady Margaret. It was so unlike anything 
she had ever thought of with regard to that good woman 
that she looked on her from a new point of view. 

Why, she has not even pride,” she thought ; she 
expresses a wish that there should be a marriage between 
Percival and Oceana — Percival, the heir of all the 
Mannerses! What can it mean? This is very unlike 
Lady Margaret’s character. Oceana would make him a 
most noble wife — that is, if she could ever bring herself 
to look at him ; but as things are, I cannot understand, I 
fail to see.” 

Mrs. Huntingdon went up to dress for dinner, and 
afterwards, when she and her husband were seated side 
by side in the pretty drawing-room, she told him of 
Lady Margaret’s visit, and as she never kept any secrets 
from him, she further told him of what Lady Margaret 
had come about, namely, to promote a marriage between 
Percival and Oceana. 

What does it mean, Edward ? ” asked the wife. 

When she put this query to her husband, Mrs. Hunt- 
ingdon turned and glanced at him. He looked at her 
with astonishment in his face ; then the colour rose into 
his cheeks. He started to his feet and began to pace up 
and down just in front of the fireplace. 


212 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


What is it, Edward ? What is wrong ? ” asked the 
wife. 

I don’t know, Lucia, I don’t know.” 

But is there anything ? ” 

“ I don’t know,” he replied. 

Edward, how long have we been at Glenleven ? ” 

“ We bought the place exactly twenty years ago.” 

“ And we came from the extreme South of England,” 
continued his wife. 

Yes, dear. We sold that sweet little ^ Sunnymead ’ 
to come here. I often wonder, Lucia, if we were not 
happier at ^ Sunnymead.’ ” 

When we came,” continued Mrs. Huntingdon, we 
knew nothing of our neighbours.” 

That’s true,” replied Huntingdon. But Lady 
Margaret soon called on us, and since then we have been 
friends — great friends, I think.” 

Do you like her, Edward ? ” 

Do you ask that question,” replied Huntingdon, 
as heart asks heart ? ” 

Yes,” she replied; “in that sacred capacity I ask 
the question.” 

“ Then — do not like her,” he replied. 

“ Why, dear ? Can you give me your reason ? ” 

“ I cannot. There is a strange repugnance which al- 
ways visits me when Lady Margaret is present. I only 
go to her when I must, and I am always intenselv 
anxious to go away again. You have noticed that, my 
love, have you not ? ” 

“ Yes, Edward. Do you think it is a natural thing 
on Lady Margaret’s part to wish for a marriage be- 
tween Oceana and Percival ? ” 

“ It is as natural, dear, as anything else Lady Mar- 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


213 


garet has done with regard to Oceana. Tell me, my dear 
wife, why did she take up that orphan child; why did 
she spend money on her; why, when she was educated, 
did she want to send her to your sister in Australia ; and 
why, Lucia, was she angry, distressed and frightened, 
when we proposed to keep her for ourselves ? You have 
observed these things, have you not ? ” 

I have,” said the wife. 

Then it is quite plain,” said Huntingdon, Lady 
Margaret knows something about our little girl which 
we do not know, nor does the child herself. It is our 
duty to find out the secret which lies behind all this.” 

Oh, no,” said Mrs. Huntingdon; “I cannot have 
the poor woman persecuted.” 

Huntingdon said nothing more. By-and-by the pair 
went to bed, and the next morning, as far as they were 
concerned. Lady Margaret and her troubles were for- 
gotten. 

Meanwhile Oceana, to the unbounded astonishment of 
her relatives, as she insisted on calling the Barfoots, 
arrived at Ridge Farm on a wonderful summer’s evening. 
She had walked from the station, desiring the carrier to 
bring her small trunk along presently. 

The family were at tea; they were enjoying their 
good meal. The kitchen looked more redd up,” as 
Mrs. Barfoot expressed it, than usual. The fact was, it 
had been freshly white-washed, and the oak had received 
several extra administrations of “ elbow-grease ” during 
the last week or so. Sundry old brasses too, which had 
been put out of sight, had been discovered by the girls, 
and made to shine once again like burnished gold, and 
were fastened here and there to the oak in the comely 
and wonderful kitchen* 


214 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


Oceana had come away in her plainest frock. It was 
a cotton dress of a lilac tone; it reached only to a little 
below her ankles. She wore a sash of the same material 
round her waist, and on her head a white hat, trimmed 
with a band of lilac ribbon. Nothing could have been 
simpler than her dress, but it fitted well, and added to 
her charming young grace. 

Mrs. Barfoot was in the act of lifting the heavy teapot 
to fill the cups with tea, and the husband, son, and four 
sisters were collected round the table, when someone 
turned, there came a great scream from Elossie, and the 
next minute the entire Barfoot family were surround- 
ing Oceana, kissing her, hugging her, half tearing her to 
pieces. She kissed them eagerly, not even excepting Ted, 
Avho trembled from head to foot, as her sweet lips brushed 
across his cheek. 

Now sit down, my maid — sit next to me, honey 
dear,” cried Mrs. Barfoot ; and whatever has brought 
’ee ? ” she added, as she pushed plate, knife, spoon, cup 
and saucer towards the girl. Eh, but you’re welcome 
as the flowers in May; but what’s brought ’ee, all the 
same ? ” 

Oceana looked full at the farmer, who fidgeted some- 
what restlessly in his chair. Then she said, quietly : I 
wanted to come, so I came. When Oceana wants her 
own, she knows how to come to them.” 

And you’re happy, my maid — ^tell us that.” 

Yes,” said Oceana ; I am with very nice people, 
and I am treated well, and I get plenty to eat and drink, 
only — oh, dear me ! I never get anything like this,” and 
she pointed to the piled-up dish of honeycomb, nor like 
this,” she continued, just touching the dish which con- 
tained the clotted cream; and there are no eggs like our 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


215 


fowls lay; the eggs at Glenleven do not seem to have 
any flavour ; and oh, mammy, they put so much sauce in 
the dishes that it seems somehow as if there was no 
taste of the real thing at all. But, all the same,” she con- 
tinued, I am well fed and I get nice dresses, and I 
have a good time.” 

The Lord be thanked for His mercies,” said Mrs. 
Barfoot. 

Oceana smiled at her, and presently put her little soft 
white hand inside the old woman’s. The farmer, how- 
ever, hardly uttered a word. As to Ted, notwithstanding 
the abundance of the meal, he could not eat. He glanced 
from time to time with fearful joy at Oceana, and then 
looked away again when his eyes met hers. His eyes 
were full of a sort of guilt, he felt ashamed of himself 
for loving her as he did, he trembled all over, he hated 
himself for doing so. 

By-and-by the tea came to an end. Elossie and Dolly 
started up to perform their accustomed tasks ; Mrs. Bar- 
foot proceeded to take the twins to bed ; Ted looked with 
more longing in his eyes than ever at Oceana. Would 
she come out with him just for a minute? Had she 
perhaps changed her mind, after all ? Had she missed 
him while she was away ? Was she beginning to turn to 
him, and was that why she had come back? And she 
certainly had kissed him as freely as — Oh no ! ” 
thought the poor fellow, not as freely as though she 
were my sister, nothing of that sort.” But she had 
kissed him, notwithstanding, and why had she done so ? 
Of late she had refrained from kissing him ; it was after 
that that his eyes began to be opened, and he began to 
perceive that she was not his sister, that she was differ- 
ent from others, that she was adorable and worthy to be 


21G 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


loved. Oh, by no means ordinary was the love the poor 
young fellow felt for the Maid of the Sea. 

He was commonplace in every essential. His friends 
were of a commonplace order ; his ideas were those which 
belonged to his class. Nevertheless, his love for Oceana 
raised him. He felt that he could worship her, and that 
for her sake he could do great things. But as she walked 
across the kitchen now, with that swift, unconscious, 
undulating movement which was always characteristic 
of her, he could not help saying to himself that she was 
not for him. 

She be a lady, and I be only a farmer chap,” he 
thought ; but I will make myself into a gentleman if 
only her’ll wait — if her’ll wait a few years, I’ll be worthy 
of her yet!” 

Oceana, however, was not thinking of Ted. She had 
come to Ridge Earm on a very definite mission. She 
guessed where she would find the farmer, and going into 
the big barn she saw him there. He turned at once at 
sight of her. Oceana went up to him. She did not put 
her arms round his neck or pet him as she used to do 
when she was a little girl. She said in a low tone : “ I 
did not know, dad, that you’d bring yourself to do it.” 

To do what, my gel ? ” 

To take money, dad, from one like her, to allow her 
to buy the farm, and then give it back to you.” 

The farmer felt that bis only chance was to work him 
self into a passion. 

What I done I done,” he said ; and now you loo 
here, Oceana, there’s no manner of good in you flingino 
things at me. You’re my own dear little darter — I love 
’ee as well and better than if you were my very own; 
but for all that, my maid, I’ll not have you interferin’. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


217 


What’s done is done. The farm’s out o’ debt, and we’re 
going along fine. My boy and me’ll make a livin’ out of 
the old place yet, and your sisters can marry from here, 
and your mother die in the big bed upstairs, where all 
the children were born. You quiet yourself, my dear, 
you quiet yourself, and keep your own counsel, and don’t 
interfere with Farmer Barfoot.” 

Oh, dad ! and I came for the purpose. I did so want 
you to give it all back. Dad, let me speak. You think 
that I am happy with the Huntingdons — I am not. Let 
me come back to you and be your child, and I will ask 
Mr. Huntingdon — he is really good — ^to lend me a little 
money, enough for us all to emigrate to Canada ; and you 
and Ted can get some land and work it between you both ; 
and we’ll all live together; and I’ll be your true child 
for ever and ever more. Let me do it, dad, please — dad, 
please I ” 

But argue as she would, Oceana made no effect on 
Farmer Barfoot. 

I’m sot on my own way,” he said, and stir I won’t, 
not a stiver. No, my gel. You be the child of my heart 
and the child of your mother’s heart ; but you don’t move 
either of us in this ’ere business. It’s a settled and done 
for, and there’s to be no more talk on the matter.” 

Is that really all, dad ? ” 

It’s the last word, my maid.” 

Then I’ll go to mammy mine.” 

No, stay a bit, Oceana dear. Let I take you round 
and show you the new calves — they’re Sukey’s, and 
never were there such beauties. You’d like to see ’em, 
wouldn’t you ? ” 

No, dad.” 

Is that really no ? ” 


218 


OCEAl^A’S GIRLHOOD 


Yes, dad. I’ll go and talk to mammy mine now.’’ 

As she was leaving the barn the farmer took one step 
forward and gripped her arm. 

“ Now look you here,” he said; you don’t begin any 
canoodling with my wife, Mary Barfoot. You don’t say 
to her, come what will, come what may, one word agen 
my staying on at the farm. You’re to stick to it that 
we’re here, and that we’re never going to move. Prom- 
ise, or I’ll take you and put you into the train for Lunnon 
myself to-night.” 

Dad, I won’t promise — I won’t.” 

Promise,” said the farmer. 

He dragged the girl forward so that she stood before 
him. 

Promise,” he said. 

‘‘Dad, you know I won’t.” 

“*Then you don’t see mammy mine again.” 

“ Dad!” 

“ No, my maid, no. Her were sore troubled first, 
when she heard how the deed were done, thinking as it 
would displease you. Again, her were troubled when 
your letter came, and her’s troubled now again — the third 
time that you’re come; and I mean to hear no more of 
it. You go, my dear, you go — other’s time enough. I’ll 
put you into the train myself.” 

“ Very well, dad, it’s best. I could not see mammy 
without speaking to her. You’ll tell her why I left.” 

“ I’ll tell her. You trust me to be kind to her. Did 
you bring any bits of duds along with you ? ” 

“ Jack, the carrier, was to bring them presently, when 
he was leaving off work.” 

“ Us’ll be in time to catch him. We’ll go at once, 
Oceana.” 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


219 


Mrs. Barfoct waited inside in the eosy kitchen, Ted 
wandered aimlessly round and round the house, the girls 
sat and chatted and made comments with regard to their 
sister. The minutes ticked into hours, and still there 
was no sign of Oceana or of Barfoot. About nine o’clock 
the farmer came in. He stamped into the kitchen, 
flinging down his hat, and mopping his forehead. 

“ Fetch the cider,” he said, turning to Flossie. 

Wherever’s Oceana ? ” asked mammy mine. 

Gone back to Lunnon, wife. I’ll tell ’ee by-and-by 
what her come about. Now don’t ’ee fret.” 

Oh, Lord ’a mercy, whatever’s up with you, my 
man ? ” 

Oceana gone ! ” said Ted. 

Yes, that her be, and a good thing for you too, to 
judge from the look in your eyes. You’re a milksop, 
that’s what you be, Ted, and I’m ashamed o’ ye.” 


CHAPTER XXIII 


Oceana sat like one stunned in the first-class carriage 
which was to convey her hack again to that part of the 
world where the Iluntingdons lived. She was to travel 
all night. She had come dovm to the Barfoots third- 
class, and had taken a single ticket ; but the farmer had 
insisted on her going back first. He had put her into a 
compartment with an elderly lady, and had asked the 
lady, who knew his face, to look after her. But Oceana 
could not talk to her companion. She sat huddled up 
in a corner of the carriage, feeling more defiant, more 
fierce, more angry, than she had ever been in her whole 
life before. She had come down to the Barfoots deter- 
mined to have her own way; but for once the wayward 
girl had met her match. Farmer Barfoot was not too 
proud to receive money from the lady who was her bene- 
factress. Oceana sat and thought. How was she to be 
revenged on Lady Margaret Manners ? Why should this 
woman heap kindness upon kindness on her devoted 
head ? Oceana did not want the kindness. Her thoughts 
tortured her. She felt she could not get at the right of 
anything. She did not dare to inquire. She looked 
back with a feverish longing to the snug old farm kitchen, 
to the dearly-beloved face of mammy mine, to Ted, who 
had looked at her with such a longing in his eyes, to her 
rough foster-sisters, to the pretty twins, and last, but 
not least, she thought of the farmer himself. 

220 


OCEAKA^S GIKLHOOD 


221 


He had sent her away, she, his foster-child ! He had 
turned her out of doors ! She had come to him in her 
trouble and he had denied her. It is true that he had at 
first welcomed her, and had joined in the raptures of his 
wife and son, and daughters hut when she made that 
reasonable request, he had told her at once, and bluntly, 
that her wishes were not his wishes ; that he had borrowed 
the money and was glad to borrow it ; that the farm was 
his once more ; and that not for twenty Oceanas would he 
turn his wife, and his son and his daughters out. 

The train was to stop for some time at Exeter, where 
it was to take in innumerable passengers. When Oceana 
got there she left the train and began to pace up and 
down on the platform. The lady in whose charge she 
was put called to her. The girl took no notice. She 
removed her hat from her head in order to get the cool 
night breeze to fan her hot brow. She paced up and 
down, up and down. Suddenly a hand was laid on her 
arm. She turned abruptly, and to her imbounded amaze- 
ment saw her foster-brother Ted looking at her. He had 
come up to her side. He was wearing his ordinary farm 
clothes, not having had time to change them. He was a 
good deal puflPed and out of breath. 

“ I followed you, Oceana,” he said, in a choking voice. 

I heard what my feyther said, and I mounted Swift- 
foot and tore across country, and caught the train at 
Camberley. I^m ever so vexed, ever so vexed, that you 
should be put upon like this, Oceana. I thought I’d 
show to you my own self how vexed, how more than 
vexed I be.” 

Hever mind, Ted,” answered the girl. She was 
softened by his flattery, by his honest desire to be with 
her. Some of the rankling hatred went out of her heart. 


222 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


She looked at him in all her tall young grace and hei.uty, 
while tears filled her eyes. 

It was good of you to come, Ted,” she said ; but 
you must go back, for your mother will be sitting up for 
you.” 

No, that her won’t,” replied Ted, for I flew at her 
and whispered in her ear, and her knows that I was fol- 
lering of you, and her didn’t say naught. My feyther 
have treated you shameful, Oceana.” 

Oceana began to feel restless. She wanted Ted away. 
Ted was looking at her with more and more of the love- 
light filling his eyes. She shrank from him; she could 
tolerate his mother and father and his sisters; but not 
Ted himself. She could have liked Ted if he had never 
loved her ; but as it was — as it was, she almost hated him. 

Tell me when the London express will be up,” she 

said. 

Not for half an hour. We’ll have plenty of time to 
talk. Oceana, listen. I know what you come about.” 

You can’t know,” replied the girl, for I haven’t 
told anyone but Earmer Barfoot himself.” 

I can guess,” said Ted, with his slow smile. 
“ Oceana, since you were a baby, a mere slip of a girl, 
you always hated Lady Margaret Manners. Don’t I 
know who has bought the farm back; don’t I know to 
whom the land really belongs ; don’t I know to whom we 
owe the pigs, and the cows, and the fowls, and the snug 
old house ? ” 

And why not, Ted ? If Lady Margaret is kind 
enough to give you all these things, why should not you 
know about them ? ” 

Ted stared very hard at his foster-sister. 

You came down to us,” he said, ’a purpose to get 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


223 


my feyther to give up the money and let the land and 
t’ould house go.’’ 

Oceana coloured delicately and looked into his face. 

And my feyther,” continued the youth, “ he took 
you by your bit of a hand and brought you right away to 
the railway station and put you in train and come back 
and told my mother and me and the gels, too — not that 
the gels count — -why you came. Eor feyther wouldn’t 
do what you wanted.” 

Ho,” said Oceana. Well, it’s all up, Ted. I can- 
not say any more, I can do no more. It’s up as though 
it had never been. Let’s talk of something else.” 

“ I won’t,” said the lad. I can manage it if you’ll 
give me leave.” 

You can manage what ? ” 

Oceana looked at him with her eyes more blue and 
brighter than ever. 

Why in course I can manage,” he replied. I 
know a thing or two, and ef I do it^ — ef I get my feyther 
and mother to move out of Ridge Farm, and ef the money 
is returned to Lady Margaret, why mayhap you’ll give 
me my reward.” 

And what’s that ? ” asked the girl, looking at him 
earnestly. 

“ Why I thought perhaps you — ^you — ^you’d be married 
to I.” 

Oceana smiled; then she grew very grave; then a 
crimson flush mantled in both her cheeks. How differ- 
ent was this wooer to her last! How courageous, how 
chivalrous, how to the point had been his behaviour! 
And yet, there was something which moved her, which 
moved her inexpressibly, in the rough words of this young 
man. He wanted to win her, and by a deed which would 


224 


OCEANA^S GIELHOOD 


shut away the life from his father and mother, from his 
sisters and from himself. 

Ted,’’ she said, listen to me. You and I, poor 
Ted, we are not as one. I belong — I feel it in my breast 
— to one set of people, and you to another. Don’t mis- 
take me, Ted, but listen to reason, do. There are no 
people in all the world to me like the Barfoots. Did not 
they take me in when I was a stranger ? Did not they 
help me when I was too helpless to help myself? And 
you, brother, were always my good friend, even when 
you were a bit rough, and did not think of me except as 
an ordinary girl.” 

Ah, that’s a long time ago,” said Ted. “ ITow I fair 
worships the ground ’ee walks on.” 

“ Yes, and you may go on worshipping it until the 
day comes when you meet a good farmer’s lassie in your 
own class of life. I’m not for you, Ted, and I never can 
be. And,” she added, even if I were for you, I could 
not ask you to give up the farm, to turn your father and 
mother out, to destroy the chances of your sisters, and of 
yourself, poor Ted. Tell me, Ted, what would you live 
on if indeed you were turned out ? ” 

These hands,” said the young fellow. They can 
weed and prune and milk cows and do everything that a 
farm hand can do; and these legs that can follow the 
plough, and this body, that can work and work until the 
sweat rolls off it — and all, all, all, I’d do for you — for 
you, Oceana. Don’t deny me — don’t say you won’t have 
me — think of it — it’s your heart’s wish — think of it and 
don’t refuse.” 

It is my heart’s wish,” she answered at once, but 
I can’t do it. And now the train is coming in. Thank 
you, Ted, for coming — ^you have taken the bitterness out 


OCEA^^A'S GIRLHOOD 


225 


of my sorrow, and I will always remember you with 
affection as long as I live.” 

Oceana shook hands with Ted ; he stood by the carriage 
window and saw her pass away into the darkness of the 
autumn night. By-and-by he took a slow train back to 
his home and crept into the Ridge Farm in the very early 
hours of the morning. 

Meanwhile Oceana had reached London. There she 
was to change trains and, in order to do that, had to 
cross the metropolis to reach that special station from 
where the train would convey her to the Huntingdons. 
She did not trouble to send a message to them to say she 
was returning. All during the night she had not slept 
once. Her thoughts were full, very full of Ted. After 
all, he was the one who loved her the best in the world, 
he had given as strong a proof of his love as any man 
could. There were times when she almost wished that 
she could grant his request — that he was a little more 
what she was, and that she was a little less what educa- 
tion had made her, that there was a possibility of their 
two natures meeting. As it was, she cast him from her, 
pitying him all the time, but feeling that never, under 
any circumstances, could she have anything to do with 
him. 

Her train took her away and away to the beautiful 
country where the Huntingdons lived. She hired a fly 
at the station, and drove to Glenleven ; she arrived there 
about tea time. Mrs. Huntingdon was having her soli- 
tary meal alone. It was twenty-four hours now since 
Lady Margaret had visited her. Oceana paid for her 
cab, and ran indoors by a side entrance. She went 
swiftly up to her room, where she changed her dress for 
a white one ; when, a few minutes later, she entered Mrs. 
15 


226 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 


Huntingdon’s drawing-room, she was looking as fresh 
and pure and beautiful as a girl could look. Mrs. 
Huntingdon did not expect her for many days, but when 
she saw the girl enter, she started to her feet with a 
cry of pleasure. 

My dear child,” she said, this is delightful. But 
how quickly you have returned.” 

Oh, don’t say you’re sorry to see me,” said 
Oceana. 

Sorry, my love — I am more than delighted. Come, 
slip into your old place and pour out tea for yourself 
and me. My dear husband went to London this morn- 
ing on business and will not be back until late, so you 
and I will have a cosy time all by ourselves. You are 
looking tired, dear. Why did you hasten home again so 
quickly ? ” 

Well,” said Oceana, the fact is I failed in that 
mission which I had undertaken, and Farmer Barfoot 
put me into a return train last night.” 

You were travelling all night ! Poor, dear, little 
girl ! ” 

Yes. I got to London early this morning ; but 
there was no train here for two or three hours, and it is 
a long journey to Yorkshire. Here I am at last, how- 
ever ; and oh ! I am glad to be home ! ” 

And I to have you, my love. Help yourself to 
some of those delicious little hot cakes, dear, and then 
you will give me your news.” 

I haven’t any news,” said Oceana. 

You know, my child, how interested I am in the 
Barfoots.” 

They are quite well.” 

And not leaving their farm, dear ? ” 


OCEAI^A’S GIKLHOOD 227 

They are not leaving the farm. Need I talk about 
that, dearest Mrs. Huntingdon ? ” 

You need not, Oceana. I trust you, my child, in all 
things.” 

Thank you so much. Yes, they are quite well. 
Mammy mine looked bonnier than ever. I want you to 
see her some day — she is like no one else.” 

She is the one woman I am jealous of,” said Mrs. 
Huntingdon with a sigh. 

Oh, dear Mrs. Huntingdon, why ? ” 

Because she occupies such a big portion of your 
heart.” 

As if I could help that ! She rocked me to sleep 
when I was a baby ; when I was drawn out of the sea it 
was she who took me. The stranger, the mysterious 
stranger who brought me to shore, put me into her kind 
care, and well, oh well ! she kept his trust. He died ; 
but I never needed a mother — never — while I belonged 
to mammy mine. She comes first, of course — she is the 
first with me in all the world ; but I also love my foster- 
father and Ted — dear Ted, and my foster-sisters. Oh, 
Mrs. Huntingdon, everything is going well at the farm 
now, and they — they won't be disturbed.” 

Dear Oceana, did you want to disturb them ? ” 

Yes. You will be angry with me, but I must speak. 
I discovered how they were able to stay, and I went 
nearly mad. I wrote to them, and I got a reply. She — 
oh, how I hate her ! — she is always standing in my way ; 
she is always humiliating me and mine. I went to them 
to beg the farmer give up the money, to leave Ridge 
Farm. I had a vague sort of hope that you and Mr. 
Huntingdon would help them, and that eventually they 
could pay you back. But even without that hope, I 


228 OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 

wanted them to touch no gold of hers, for it brings a 
curse.” 

My dear Oceana, my dear child, you are very un- 
kind to that unhappy woman.” 

She does look unhappy,” said Oceana. I have 
noticed that. I wonder why ? ” 

I cannot tell you, dear.” 

There is a mystery connected with Fanborough,” 
said the girl, after a pause. 

I have a great regard for Lady Margaret,” said 
Mrs. Huntingdon, and I think your attitude towards 
her is most unnatural. Now, for instance, I, who have 
done comparatively nothing for you, am loved by you and 
treated with respect and affection ; but that poor woman, 
whatever she does, she but incurs your displeasure. She 
does not want to be unkind to you, Oceana ; such thoughts 
are very far from her mind.” 

Oceana sat silent. She was gazing out into the sun- 
lit garden. 

I mean to find out,” she said, after a pause. 

What, my child, what ? ” 

Her secret.” 

She hasn’t any secret, dear.” 

Oh yes she has ; her conduct is unnatural. I could 
understand her doing what she does, and what she has 
done, were she a saintly woman; but she is not saintly. 
She does none of the things which she professes to do for 
love of man or love of God ; therefore, she must do them 
because she is afraid. I want to find out what she is 
afraid of.” 

I cannot agree with you, Oceana.” 

Just then there came brisk steps on the gravel path 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


229 


outside, and the next minute Margaret Manners, accom- 
panied by two of her dogs, entered. 

Now, this is luck!” she said, shaking hands with 
Mrs. Huntingdon and greeting Oceana with effusion. 

Mother told me you were away for a few days ; but I 
see you have just returned, or were you really not away 
at all, and only making fun of the mums ? ” 

I have just returned,” said Oceana. 

That’s splendid!” said Margaret. No, I won’t 
have any tea, Mrs. Huntingdon. I want Oceana to come 
and have a walk with me.” 

How is your mother, Margaret ? ” 

She is not well. She had a queer fainting fit last 
night. I had to send for a specialist from town. He 
says her heart is very much affected, and that she must 
be kept quiet. I am not going to London for a bit ; and 
I am very anxious to — get Percival to return.” 

Is your brother away ? ” asked Oceana. 

Yes. He was about to sail for America ; but I 
trust I have caught him in time. He must return to be 
with mother just now. Oh dear, I can’t stay long away ! 
Oceana, I must have a little walk with you.” 

Go out, dears, and enjoy yourselves,” said Mrs. 
Huntingdon. 

The two girls linked their arms together and went out 
of the room. They passed across the lawn, Margaret’s 
dogs following them. 

Are you really anxious about your mother ? ” asked 
Oceana. 

I am, very. I cannot think what is wrong. I was 
sitting by her bedside last night, and she started up in 
the middle of the night and called your name.” 


230 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


My name ! ’’ said Oceana. What have I to do with 
your mother ? ” 

That is exactly what I should like you to tell me. I 
cannot imagine what you have to do with her; and yet 
she certainly did call your name.” 

Oceana felt restless. 

And you don’t love her, you know,” said Margaret. 

Margaret, I do not.” 

“ How, I greatly wonder why, for dear mums has 
been wonderfully good to you.” 

Are you invariably fondest of people who are good 
to you ? ” said Oceana, suddenly. 

“ I don’t know,” replied Margaret. I think per- 
haps I am; it seems natural, doesn’t it? How, I love 
mums very dearly.” 

What would make her most unhappy in all the 
world ? ” asked Oceana quietly. 

How can I tell ? I don’t know. She doesn’t dislike 
you as you dislike her; and then, of course, there is 
Percival.” 

Your brother ! What do you mean ? ” 

Oceana stood hack, while a brilliant rose-colour flamed 
into her cheeks. 


CHAPTER XXIV 


When that crimson flush of colour left her face, 
Oceana turned deadly white. Margaret watched her 
without appearing to do so. 

After a time she said in a gentle tone : Shall we 
walk about for a little ? ” 

Walk ! ” cried Oceana. You speak as though there 
were nothing wrong. Is this how people in your class of 
life behave ? Is this what is called the correct manners 
of Society ? If such is the case I am glad to be a nobody 
— to have been brought up by simple folks like the Bar- 
foots. To have been drawn out of the sea. Oh! yes, I 
am glad — ^very glad.’^ 

But Oceana, what do you mean ? ’’ said the other 
girl in astonishment. What have I done to put you 
out ? Why do you speak to me so ? 

Oh ! you donT understand,’’ said Oceana. “ You 
can’t help it. It is your training. I am only glad I was 
not brought up so. Think if my mother — Mammy-mine 
— ^were ill, so ill that I feared down deep in my heart 
that she might die. And my brother — my only brother 
— were away and in trouble, do you think that I would 
just ask you to walk, and while you walked would talk 
pretty nothings to you? Oh! you don’t understand — 
you can’t ! ” 

You must explain yourself, dear,” said Margaret, 
who saw how Oceana was trembling in every limb. 

231 


232 


OCEAIsrA’S GIRLHOOD 


I would do something to help, if I saw any loop- 
hole. I would enter into the very heart of the trouble 
by means of it — I would stretch out my hands to save. 
Oh! yes, I would — I would.’’ 

Margaret’s whole manner changed. 

Do you mean what you are saying ? ” she asked, 
suddenly. 

Of course I mean it — I always mean what I say ; I 
was brought up to mean it.” 

I believe you were. Then I will take you at your 
word. I will stretch out my arms for help — I will im- 
plore with supplicating hands. I appeal to you, Oceana, 
will YOU help us ? ” 

What do you mean when you say ^ us ’ ? ” 

My mother, myself, my brother.” 

Try me,” said Oceana, in a low voice. 

I will — you wonderful — you amazing girl ! Come 
back with me to Eanborough now. Come and see my 
mother now.” 

I will come, but not to-night. Hor will I come to- 
morrow. But the next day I will come. Don’t thank 
me ; don’t think kindly of me. You don’t know what is 
in my heart. I will go to Fanborough the day after 
to-morrow ; and now I have something to do, so will you 
leave me ? ” 

Margaret looked earnestly into the beautiful blue eyes. 
Then almost reverently she raised one of the small hands 
and kissed it. Afterwards she left. The moment she 
was out of sight Oceana ran away to be quite alone in 
the shrubbery. There, where she was quite sure that no 
one would see her, she threw herself on the ground and 
gave way to the bitterest agony of her life. For Oceana 
meant to probe a wound — to fathom a secret — to rend a 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


233 


veil apart. The vague suspicions of long years were 
culminating to one point. She would lift the curtain 
wLich led into a secret room and walk in. Fear should 
no longer hold her back. There was something to know 
and she would know it ; there was a mystery to be solved 
and she would solve it. Afterwards might come peace 
and rest. Forgiveness even — a resurrection from the 
dead — an entering into the fulness of life. She thought 
all these things might be hers, only she must know all. 
There must, she knew, be bitter pain; but pain meant 
birth. 

She and others also must be born again, for thus only 
could they enter into life. 

She wiped the fast falling tears from her eyes, and 
ran into the house. She sought her room, where she 
hastily put on a shady hat and a pair of gloves. She 
felt in her little bag — Mrs. Huntingdon’s latest present 
— for her purse. It was there. She went downstairs. 
In the hall she met one of the servants. 

Pearson,” she said, will you tell your mistress that 
I have gone into the village, but will be back shortly.” 

The man promised to deliver the message. 

Oceana ran quickly to the village, which was nearly a 
quarter of a mile away. 

She arrived at the post-office, where she sent a tele- 
gram with a reply paid to Mammy-mine. 

The brief message ran as follows: — 

Please send me at once hy first post the little shirt 
that was drawn out of the sea /' — Oceaita. 

To this telegram she got a reply as the family were 
sitting down to dinner : — 

What you require goes hy first post to-morrow morn- 
ing; also writing . — Mammy-Mine.” 


234 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


Meanwhile Margaret had walked very quickly home. 
Lady Margaret was in bed; the doctor had called and 
had ordered absolute rest and freedom from all excite- 
ment. 

But notwithstanding these injunctions, the sick woman 
had eyes too bright for health, and her pulse was hound- 
ing in her thin wrists. She was eagerly anxious to see 
Margaret, and Margaret, rendered wise beyond her years, 
saw at once that the best chance of giving her mother 
rest was to confide in her. 

Well, mother,” she said, in her cheerful tone, “ so 
you have not been obeying the doctor, hut as usual have 
been fretting and doing yourself no end of harm. Now 
I quite think I have some pleasant news for you, but I 
^von’t say anything until after dinner. I mean to send 
you up something tempting which you must eat, and 
afterwards I will come and sit with you.” 

Having delivered herself of these few words, Mar- 
garet went away, and Lady Margaret lay and thought. 
Lady Margaret had long ago discovered that this child 
of hers was strong in character and steadfast in soul. 
She was learning to rely on her more and more. Now 
she could not help saying to herself, I am glad Mar- 
garet will remain with me for a little. I do not feel so 
frightened when she is with me. I wish — oh, how I 
wish I could confide in her ; hut there is no one— no one 
in all the world wLo must learn my secret. No one in 
all the wdde world. It must die with me — yes, it 
must.” 

But when hy-and-hy Margaret returned to her side, 
Lady Margaret looked at her with interest. 

I went to-day,” said Margaret, beginning her story 
at once, to see dear Mrs. Huntingdon.” 


OCEAJSTA’S GIKLHOOD 


235 


Oh, yes, she had touched the right chord. Lady Mar- 
garet remained perfectly still, every nerve in her body 
taut and expectant. 

I was pleased,’’ continued Margaret, to find that 
Oceana had unexpectedly returned. She and I went for 
a walk in the garden, and there I told her how ill you 
were and how anxious I was about you. I also spoke of 
Percival.” 

Lady Margaret turned to look at the speaker. There 
was a bright spot on each cheek. 

Oceana got so red, and looked so beautiful when I 
mentioned my brother. Why, mother, what is the mat- 
ter?” 

IN'othing, Margaret ; go on, will you ? ” 

Oh, mother, she is such a splendid girl. I hardly 
know how to describe her. She has all the refinement of 
our class, and the strength of the class from which she 
has sprung. She turned on me and almost rent me when 
I tried to bring the conversation into ordinary channels. 
She told me what she would do in my place.” 

And what was that ? ” asked Lady Margaret, faintly. 

She said she would not leave her mother weak and 
suffering and with a load on her mind. She would pull 
away the load; she would save her, at any cost — oh, at 
any cost ! ” 

A load on my mind,” said Lady Margaret. How 
can she tell ? ” 

She does — she guesses ; she said so. Oh, she did not 
speak in bitterness. She said she w'as sure something 
was troubling you.” 

Lady Margaret turned very white. 

Then I said,” continued Margaret, ^ I will take 
your advice. I will not rest until I have helped and 


236 


OCEAI^A’S GIKLHOOD 


saved. Will you help me to — to save? Then she said, 
^ Yes, she would come the day after to-morrow.’ Mother, 
she is coming here, then. She wants to use her young 
strength on your behalf. Mother, dear mother, you 
won’t reject her ? ” 

Just at that moment there came a tap at the bedroom 
door and Lady Margaret’s maid entered with a telegram 
on a salver. 

For you, miss,” she said, presenting it to Margaret. 

Margaret tore open the flimsy envelope. No an- 
swer,” she said to the woman. 

When they were alone she turned to her mother. 

Now what a happy mums you will he,” she remarked. 

This is from Percival. He had not started for 
America, and as I wired to him that you were not well, 
he will be here at an early hour to-morrow morning.” 

Oh, Margaret,” said her mother. She turned and 
took one of her daughter’s slim white hands in hers. 

If only he would marry Oceana, and Oceana would 
marry him, my heart would be at rest.” 

Perhaps they will marry,” said Margaret. She 
did get very red to-day when his name was mentioned. 
But she is a strange girl. She would never marry Percy 
because he is rich and in a high position, and she is poor 
and a nobody. She would only marry him because she 
loved him, or perhaps from a sense of duty.” 

Yes — from a sense of duty,” murmured Lady Mar- 
garet. 

And then Percy loves her so much, mother.” 

I know — I know,” murmured the lady. Oh, 
Margaret it would be my dearest wish ; Margaret, I will 
see the beautiful little Oceana when she comes. Marga- 
ret, I will see her all alone.” 


OCEANA'S OIRLHOOD 


237 


^^You shall, dearest, and now you must sleep and 
have your soothing draught." 

Shortly afterwards Margaret Manners left her 
mother's room. She went downstairs and sat for a long 
time alone in her own special sitting-room. There she 
thought out many problems and lived through a time of 
great anxiety. 

No doubt of the secret," she kept repeating to her- 
self. Oh, what is it ? What is it ? Wkat has my 
mother, my poor mother done? Something shameful — 

— no — shame could not touch us. And yet — and yet 
— Oceana's young face, Oceana's words — the likeness h"*- 
tween Oceana and the Gainsborough which mother sold. 
Oh, it is all too strange — too fearful. My God, what 
does it mean ? I am afraid — afraid when I think of it. 
For years mother has been queer about that girl. She 
educated her, she brought her up, she saved the Barfoots 
from ruin. Why did she do these things, and above all, 
why should my proudest of mothers want Percival, the 
head of our house, to marry a girl whom she does not 
like — a girl who, notwithstanding her charm and beauty, 
is a nobody. What does it mean? What does it 
mean ? " 

Margaret presently went to bed, but not to sleep. All 
night long she puzzled over a problem she could not 
solve. Early in the morning she rose, dressed quickly 
and went to listen outside her mother's door. There 
was perfect silence within. She crept downstairs. Per- 
cival would soon arrive; he must not wake her sleeping 
mother by ringing the front door bell. When the distant 
sound of wheels fell on her ears, Margaret opened the 
door softly and ran down the avenue to meet her brother. 
He sprang out of the carriage at sight of her. 


238 


OCEAKA’S GIRLHOOD 


For God’s sake, tell me the worst, Margaret. She 
is not dead ! ” 

ISTo, darling. I think she is better — a little better. 
Percival, come and walk with me in the shrubbery for a 
while.” 

He turned at once and the brother and sister lost 
themselves in the maze of the shrubbery together. 

At the end of half an hour they came out and returned 
softly to the house. Percival’s face was very white; 
at the same time he looked strangely excited. 

You know exactly what to do, Percy,” said his 
sister.” 

Yes, I know,” he said, nodding. 

After breakfast you will go to mother and give her 
hope. She wants hope or she will certainly die. After- 
wards you will go to Glenleven to see Oceana.” 

I will do both,” he replied. “ Margaret, have I — 
have I a chance ? ” 

You have,” she answered, and she looked at him 
with her bright eyes. 

On that same glorious autumn morning, Oceana got 
up early, for she also had spent a wakeful night. An ex- 
traordinary thing had happened to her on the previous 
evening. Mrs. Huntingdon had called her into her 
private room, had placed the girl beside her on the sofa, 
and had begun to talk. Her talk was of that nature 
which most tried Oceana on the present occasion. She 
spoke with the most sympathetic pity of Lady Margaret. 

Oceana fixed her wonderful deep blue eyes on the 
speaker’s face. Why must you mention her?^^ she 
said. “ Why must all the world speak of her ? ” 

“ Because,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, she is ill and 
in suffering, and you can help her. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


239 


Why can I help her ? How can I help her ? ” 

“ You ought to help her, Oceana, because she was 
good, better than good to you ; and also, Oceana, my own 
dear child, because her son — her only son — loves you 
and you love him.” 

I don’t, I don’t, I don’t ! ” said Oceana, her face 
crimson with pain. Then she fell on her knees and buried 
her face in Mrs. Huntingdon’s lap. Oh, why do you 
speak to me like this ? ” she sobbed. Oh, I do love 
bim — I do, I do ! Oh, I am ashamed of myself — bit- 
terly ashamed — ^but I do love him — I can’t — can’t — 
cant help it.” 

No one wants you to, my dear one. He is the best 
of fellows. I have known him from his childhood.” 

Oh, please, it is not that. It is dreadful that I 
should love him. Oh, it is not right; it is wrong — 
wrong — more than wrong ! ” 

Oceana, what do you mean ? EIxplain yourself, my 
darling! ” 

I cannot explain, dear Mrs. Huntingdon. I can 
never explain — never. I think I will go to bed now.” 

God bless you, my child. Sleep sound.” 

Oceana left the room. She went to bed, but not to 
sleep. Would she ever sleep again ? 

She loved him, but she ought not to love him. It was 
wicked to love him. She must get over this madness — 
this folly. Oh, for the calm, the peace, the dignity that 
had been hers! 

She rose early from her restless bed. She went out 
alone. She took a long walk in order to tire herself. 
What had come over her? Why did her heart beat so 
fast ? Why did the colour rush into her cheeks, leaving 
them the next moment deadly pale. Her longing for the 


240 


OCEAKA^S GIRLHOOD 


little shirt, the interview she had planned with his 
mother, the carefully thought out and yet most girlish 
revenge, had slipped away from her mind. She felt 
giddy and weak. Oh, she loved him, but she could 
never, never marry him. 

This was the cry of her heart. She went slowly home, 
very tired — too tired to do anything but beg for a little 
tea to be sent to her room. Afterwards she knelt by her 
open window and saw Percival coming across the lawn 
towards the house. 

With a wild expression on her face, she snatched up 
her hat and fled out by the back door. She hid in an 
old summer-house. She heard voices calling her, but 
would not come out. 


CHAPTER XXV 


The voices came quite close to Oceana^s summer- 
house, but the people who spoke did not enter. They 
kept on calling Oceana, dear, Oceana ! ” As there was 
no reply they went further away; at last the sound of 
their voices calling, calling, died altogether in the dis- 
tance. The girl clasped her hands to her fast-beating 
heart. There was complete silence — the silence was far 
worse than the noise of the people calling her. She 
sat perfectly still, wondering, trembling, not under- 
standing what had come over her. Why was she as she 
was ? Why had this strange, this extraordinary revul- 
sion of feeling taken possession of her? Why did she, 
who had hitherto hated the Manners family, now begin 
to feel that there were no people in the world like Mar- 
garet and her brother ? Why was she even oppressed by 
a sense of pity for Lady Margaret ? 

I must wait until to-morrow,” she said to herself. 

To-morrow, mammy-mine will send the little shirt ; 
when I have got the little shirt in my possession I will 
go and see Lady Margaret. I promised Margaret that 
I would do this, and I will keep my word.” 

Oceana appeared in the house at lunch time. Mrs. 
Huntingdon looked at her with a world of expression in 
her face, but Mr. Huntingdon was present, and his wife 
would say nothing before him. Mr. Huntingdon was 
16 241 


242 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


particularly kind to the girl. He said, not only once, 
but twice, You look pale ; is anything the matter ? ” 
and Oceana answered, not once, but twice, I am quite, 
absolutely quite well.” 

Lunch came to an end and Mrs. Huntingdon and the 
girl went into that lady’s boudoir. Mrs. Huntingdon 
was evidently prepared to speak, and to speak at once, 
hut Oceana interrupted her. She ran up to her, and 
put her soft, young, rounded arms round the lady’s neck. 

I know what you would say, I know quite well. 
He was here this morning, and I cannot consult you. I 
cannot do anything at all, but go my own way; but I 
may — it is just possible — 'I may have news for you to- 
morrow.” 

My dear, dear child ; Oceana, my dearest, I have 
been miserable ever since I spoke to you last night. I 
feel that I took a liberty when I addressed you as I 
did.” 

You did not, but I was a little overcome. I — I 
want you not to speak of it to anybody — I want you to 
promise me that. I let you into my heart, did I not ? ” 

You did, my poor, darling child.” 

I may have news for you to-morrow, there is no 
saying,” remarked Oceana. Now, if you don’t greatly 
mind, I must go for a long walk, quite alone. I don’t 
wish to meet anyone; and Mrs. Huntingdon, dearest, 
should Mr. Manners call, please don’t give him my ad- 
dress, for I cannot see him to-day, I cannot.” 

I understand, Oceana, and will not give him your 
address.” 

So Oceana took her walk alone. She went for 
miles over the country. She was so strong physically 
that no amount of ordinary exercise could fatigue her. 


OCEAXA^S GIELHOOD 


243 


Her young steps were light and buoyant, her slim, 
young figure seemed hardly to touch the ground as she 
walked, she held herself erect, and there was a splendid 
colour in her cheeks, and her eyes had that wild blue 
light which must surely have been put into them by the 
sea itself. She met very few people during her walk, 
but those few all turned to watch the beautiful girl, and 
to wonder who she was. 

She looks like one who ought to be somebody above 
the common herd,” was the remark of an old lady; and 
then a man replied, I know her, her name is Oceana 
Barfoot, and she is companion to Mrs. Huntingdon.” 

Barfoot ? ” was the response. But that is quite a 
common, everyday name, and that girl only a com- 
panion ! Why, she looks, she looks ” 

Whatever she looks like, that is what she really 
is,” was the man’s response, and then the conversation 
turned to other channels. 

There were some children who met Oceana in that 
walk, and the whole group, brown as berries, with soft, 
brown eyes and dear little round, sunburnt faces, rushed 
up to the girl and thrust quantities of heather into her 
hands. 

Look, lady,” said one, look. Here’s white heather, 
and that’s for luck, and a wedding to be.” 

Oceana did not refuse the fiowers. She thanked the 
children, and stooping, kissed one, and before she went 
home she selected the white heather from amongst the 
purple, and thrust it into the bosom of her dress, and 
thought of Percival Manners as she had never thought 
of him before. 

On her return home, Mrs. Huntingdon looked so 
brimful of suppressed information, that Oceana was 


244 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


quite certain that the young man had called again ; but, 
true to her word, Mrs. Huntingdon would not say, and, 
true to her word, Oceana would not ask. Little by little 
the long, weary day came to an end. After dinner Mr. 
Huntingdon turned to his wife. 

Is it true, my dear,” he said, that Lady Margaret 
is so bad that they have had to send for a specialist from 
town ? ” 

Mrs. Huntingdon glanced at Oceana, who turned 
white. 

Yes, it is true,” she said, the specialist has been 
and has gone again.” 

And what is the report, my dear ? ” asked Mr. Hun- 
tingdon. 

Oceana suddenly left the room. She went into the 
drawing-room, where she sat crouched up, her face 
hidden in her hands. After a long time, Mrs. Hunting- 
don came in. 

My dear girl, what are you doing ? ” she said. 

The report ? ” said Oceana, breathlessly. I could 
not bear to hear you tell him ; but tell me, what has the 
doctor said ? ” 

He thinks, dear, that if Lady Margaret could get 
relief from some mysterious, unknown trouble, she will 
get well again; the difficulty is to give her that relief.” 

Ah, yes, I know,” said Oceana. There is no 
trouble in all the world like torture of mind.” 

She got up restlessly and walked to the window. 
After a time she turned and faced her friend. 

I am going to my room, but not to bed. Early to- 
morrow morning I shall get up, and go to meet the post- 
man; I think he will have a letter or a parcel for me; 
afterwards I shall go to Fanborough — Margaret expects 


OCEAT^A’S GIRLHOOD 


245 


me. If I am not in to breakfast, you will know that I 
am at Fanborough, And now I will say good-night.’’ 

Good-night, my poor child,” said Mrs. Huntingdon, 
looking earnestly into the girl’s face. 

“ If,” said Oceana, taking the good lady’s hands be- 
tween both her own, ^^you make a little prayer to the 
good, good God to-night, think of those who are in sore 
perplexity of mind, for, believe me, they are of all sorts, 
not only the old and broken down, but also the young 
and the apparently vigorous — they are of all sorts, dear 
friend, and they surely need the help of Almighty 
God.” 

I won’t forget, my child,” said Mrs. Huntingdon. 

Oceana went to her room. She scarcely slept all 
night. This was the second night she had lain awake. 
Her mind was in a whirl. She was confident that close 
to her — almost by her side, was a revelation of such a 
nature as might well overbalance her reason. She was 
confident, too, of another thing, that nothing this world 
could give her was anything at all — was of the slightest 
consequence, compared with the passionate love which 
she now felt for Percival Manners. Towards morning 
she dropped asleep. She awoke, startled and wondering 
where she was. She looked at her watch and saw that it 
was nearly seven o’clock. If she dressed hastily she 
could go to the village to meet the postman, who, as a 
rule, called at Glenleven on his way to Fanborough, and 
in consequence brought the letters to Glenleven nearly 
twenty minutes earlier than he did to Fanborough. 
Oceana was so anxious for her letter that she could not 
rest. She dressed quickly^ nevertheless she took pains 
with her toilet. She put on a morning dress of the 
plainest white; it was made with absolute simplicity. 


246 


OCEA^TA’S GIRLHOOD 


She wore on her head a little sailor hat with a band of 
white ribbon; she put on white gloves. She then went 
out. She passed through the flower garden, pausing for 
a minute, half-inclined to pick a rose, but Anally decided 
not to do so. The white heather, the symbol of love and 
of a wedding to come, lay wrapped in a piece of tissue 
paper next her heart. 

After walking for some little distance she came in 
view of the village, and met the postman. The postman 
knew her, for he had often before had a chat with the 
pretty young lady. He drew up now when she sum- 
moned him. Oceana immediately asked him if he had 
anything for her. 

I am expecting a little parcel,” she said ; in fact, 
I won’t tell you an untruth, Larry, I came out on pur- 
pose to meet you, for I was quite certain that this parcel 
was coming, and I wanted to get it as soon as possible. 
Will you therefore give it to me at once ? ” 

You are a wonderful young lady, missy,” replied 
Larry,‘‘ and how you guessed beats me! ” 

Oh, there is nothing at all wonderful in that,” 
replied the girl, for I happened to know that it was 
coming.” 

Well, and here it be, missy,” and the man thrust a 
small parcel, carefully wrapped up in brown paper, 
corded and sealed, into the girl’s hand. 

Thank you, thank you, Larry,” she answered. And 
the next minute she had left him, and climbing a stile, 
had entered a field and sat down with her treasure in 
her lap. One by one she broke the seals of the little 
parcel. She had a penknife in her pocket, and cut the 
cords which bound it so securely together. Inside the 
brown paper parcel was another of canvas, and inside 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


24 ? 


that again was a tiny weather-beaten shirt, yellow from 
its exposure to the sea waves, old, discoloured, and yet in- 
finitely precious. Within the shirt, wrapped up in its 
inmost folds, was a letter in Mammy Barfoot’s own 
writing. Mammy Barfoot had the most excellent quali- 
ties that could belong to any woman ; she was faithful ; 
she was loving; she was true; she had the sweetest 
temper ; she had the most motherly heart in all the wide 
world ; but she was not, as she herself expressed it, a 
scollard.” In her young days it was not considered 
necessary for girls to attend the Board schools^ and in 
consequence her writing was slightly illiterate and hard 
to read. But Oceana had received many letters before 
from Mammy Mine, and did not take long in deciphering 
this one. 

Eh, now, my darling,” it began, and whatever do 
you be wanting the little shirt for ? But to be sure, when 
my own one asks for it, it’s hers. You won’t lose it, my 
precious sweet pet, for it’s the only thing in all the whole 
world left to identify you by, and to prove that you be 
what he — that poor stranger — said, ‘ One of high rank 
and a great heiress/ You’ll use it for whatever purpose 
is uppermost in your heart, my own sweet child, and 
then you’ll return it to Mammy Barfoot to take care of 
it for you — ^you’ll never give it to anybody else, will 
you, my love ? for there’s nothing left in the world, my 
own Oceana — nothing but the little shirt, to prove that 
you be what all the world can see, a lady, high-born and 
noble, beautiful and great. Eh, my darling, but I’m 
crying now as I write the words; for it isn’t only in 
features that you’re like no one else, my own child ; but 
it’s in character and in the wonderful tenderness and 
nobleness of your heart. So don’t you lose the little 


248 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


shirt, and write and tell I what you wanted it for when 
you have a minute’s time; and don’t, my sweetest lamb, 
fret about any of us, for we’re flourishing ; sore I were to 
take Madam’s money; but himself would have nothing 
else ; and sore I were that my boy went and tortured you, 
talking about what could not be, and what wasn’t right 
to be ; but he have a fine spirit, have my Ted ; and what 
he really wants is your true happiness; so take all our 
loving wishes, my best dearie, and believe that in your 
happiness all of ours is bound up. — Your faithful 

Mammy Mine.” 

Oh, Mammy, Mammy ! ” sobbed the girl. She 
pressed her face down on the paper until it was sopping 
wet with her tears, then she folded the precious letter up, 
put it inside the little shirt, folded the shirt once more 
in its canvas and paper wrappings, and went with a 
swift, firm step in the direction of Fanborough. 

She reached the house about half-past eight o’clock, 
and the very first person she saw, pacing up and down 
outside, was Margaret Manners. Margaret flew to her. 

Oceana, you are a brick. You would not see Per- 
cival yesterday, although you said you’d come to-day; 
but Oceana, poor mother is weak, very weak indeed. 
Do you think that it is right for you to see her ? ” 

“ Tell me, Margaret,” said Oceana, her whole tone 
altering, and her manner becoming at once full of 
common-sense and determination — “ tell me exactly what 
the great doctor from London said.” 

He said that our beloved mother was suffering from 
some mental trouble, and that if that could be put right, 
she might, in all probability, soon be quite well again. 
I hope and trust that such will be the case.” 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


249 


How soon can I see her ? ” asked Oceana. 

You are quite determined to see her ? ” 

‘‘ Why, you wished me to, didn’t you ? ” 

Yes, if you will he very gentle, very, very careful ; 
if you will realise how terribly weak she is.” 

I think I can give her relief,” said the girl, and you 
may he quite sure I will be tender and considerate.” 

“ I am sure you will ; but Oceana, you look pale. 
Have you had breakfast ? ” 

Hever mind about that. Can you take me to her at 
once ? ” 

J ust come with me into the house and I will see.” 
Margaret conducted the girl indoors. They went into 
a room which opened into one side of the great entrance 
hall. Oceana looked round her, and once again that 
puzzled feeling occupied her mind which had been so 
strangely present when she htd dined at Panborough 
some weeks ago. A strange, inexplicable feeling that 
she was in a familiar place, that she knew that valuable 
oak panelling, that she knew the pictures, that she knew 
the view, the lovely view, from that great expanse of 
window. Then Margaret came quickly back. 

Oceana,” she said, mother will see you if you 
come at once. You must be very patient with her, and 
very, very quiet. You must understand, Oceana, that the 
slightest excitement may be — oh, I scarcely dare to say 
the words — fatal! Her heart is so weak, she is incapa- 
ble of the smallest exertion.” 

I am sorry,” answered Oceana ; I will do my ut- 
most to relieve her, yes, my utmost.” 

Then come with me. She has had some breakfast ; 
she is ready for you.” 

The two girls walked up the low, wide broad stairs 


250 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


side by side. Suddenly Oceana turned to her com- 
panion. Margaret/’ she said, I must call you that 
— this house does not seem strange to me ; what is there 
in it that sets me dreaming, dreaming? Oh, I don’t 
understand myself when I am at Eanborough!” 

Margaret’s heart beat a little faster than usual. She 
said, after a pause, And yet you have only been here 
once before.” 

“ I had the same feeling then,” answered the girl, 

and for days and days and days afterwards. It was 
wonderful, just the sensation that I knew every nook 
of the place, that I could find my way blindfold through 
the rooms and round the picture-gallery and — every- 
where. There was only one thing strange.” 

And what was that ? ” asked Margaret. 

The people in the house,”' said Oceana. You 
were strange, Margaret, and your mother and — brother.’^ 

This is mother’s room,” said Margaret, after a 
pause. Now, come in; she must not be kept in sus- 
pense.” 

Margaret opened the door swiftly and silently. 
Oceana followed her at a little distance. 

Mums,” said the daughter, bending over her mother, 
who was propped up in bed by pillows, here is little 
Oceana. I will not leave you long together, but just 
for a short time.” 

As if I could be cruel to her,” said Oceana. Mar- 
garet, you need not hurry back, I am glad to be with her 
— quite glad.” 

Oceana went swiftly over, and sat down on a chair by 
Lady Margaret’s side. Margaret looked longingly at 
them both, the girl so stately, so fair, so beautiful, the 
dark-eyed, dark-complexioned aged woman — what a con- 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


251 


trast there was between their two faces! She left the 
room slowly and unwillingly. The moment they were 
alone, Oceana turned and addressed Lady Margaret. 

I have come here,” she said gently, to make a 
proposal and to relieve your mind.” 

My mind can never be relieved, child,” said Lady 
Margaret. 

I think it can, and when — ^when all this trouble is 
over, when you are feeling like yourself once more, and 
have forgotten the weary years during which you car- 
ried such a load of trouble on your breast, you will 
wonder why such a simple expedient of putting wrong 
right never occurred to you.” 

I don’t understand you,” said Lady Margaret, and 
then she looked at the girl, and looked away again. 

Oceana struggled for a moment with herself. Then 
she took one of Lady Margaret’s icy-cold hands between 
I her own. 

Why, I must warm you,” she said. I should like 
to lie down close to you, and put my head close to yours. 
I should like to, and I will tell you why.” 

Yes, tell me why. Oceana, you have always hitherto 
repelled me — ^why are you so strange, so altered to- 
day?” 

1 Oceana coloured a very deep crimson. 

Because,” she said, yes, I will tell you the truth — 
I love your son, and he loves me, and — oh, don’t tremble 
I — do keep quite calm. Do you think in your heart of 
I hearts that a girl who loved your son could injure you, 
i his mother? Do you think it possible? It is irapos- 
I sible. I love him and — if you wish it, and he wishes 
it, I will be his wife. After that you know I could do 
you no harm. But I want to attach one — yes, one 


262 


OCEAI^A’S GIRLHOOD 


most stringent condition to this gift of myself to your 
son PercivaL On no other terms whatsoever can I be 
his wife.” 

And what is your condition ? ” asked Lady Mar- 
garet. Her lips were white as death, but her eyes were 
bright with renewed hope. 

That you tell me, yes, me, the simple truth from 
the very beginning. You know who I am — you know 
my real name — you know the name of the stranger who 
lost his life to save me — you know the true history of the 
maid who was drawn out of the sea.” 


CHAPTEK XXVI 


It was about an hour later when Margaret Manners 
stole softly into her mother^s room. She was startled 
at the change she found there. Lady Margaret was lying 
perfectly quiet and sound asleep, her hand clasped in the 
hand of Oceana. Oceana^s cheeks were bright, and there 
was a very steadfast light in her most beautiful eyes. 
She put her finger to her lips as Margaret approached, 
and after a minute stole softly out of the room, followed 
by Margaret. 

What have you done to her, you queer and wonder- 
ful child ? ’’ said the other girl. 

I think her mind is a little at rest — at least, we 
have decided what is to happen. She has nothing more 
to fear — nothing at all. I will go downstairs now and 
eat something, if you don^t mind ; and when she awakens 
I should like to go back to her. She may sleep for hours, 
for she is very, very, very weary; but whenever she 
awakens I should like to go back to her.” 

Come down at once and have breakfast,” said Mar- 
garet ; it^s awful to think of you, doing without food 
for so long — how thoughtless of me ! ” 

There are moments when we don’t want food,” said 
Oceana in a quiet tone. I mean there are supreme 
moments in life when our souls are lifted above all petty 
cares, and — food is a mere nothing to us at those times,” 
she said, breaking off abruptly. 

253 


254 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


All the same, you must eat,’’ said Margaret, the 
practical ; and tell me, Oceana, where would you like 
to have your breakfast, downstairs or in one of the 
bedrooms ? ” 

If I may have a room quite to myself, I should 
like it best,” said the girl. 

Margaret immediately took Oceana into Lady Mar- 
garet’s own private sitting-room — that room where she 
had knelt and burnt the letters which so vividly con- 
nected the past with the present. Oceana, of course, 
knew nothing of this; but when she was left alone in 
the room she looked around her, and that same queer, 
bewildered sense of having been there before visited 
her. Suddenly she fell on her knees, clasping her 
hands before her face, and murmured a short prayer, 
which was more a thanksgiving than a prayer. 

Breakfast was brought into the room by Margaret 
herself, who helped the girl liberally to all sorts of good 
things. She did not talk much, for Margaret was a 
singularly understanding young person, and knew well 
that there are moments in life when speech is not ad- 
visable. 

Here is tea,” said Margaret, and bread-and-butter, 
and fruit, and eggs, and I will leave you while you eat ; 
and afterwards, do lie down on that sofa and get a 
little rest. Ho one shall come near you or disturb you 
until my mother awakens and asks to see you, then I 
will come to fetch you.” 

Thank you,” said Oceana ; and do you greatly 
mind, Margaret, sending a message for me to Glen- 
leven ? ” 

Of course not ; I shall be only too delighted.” 

I want, if you would be so good, to send a message 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


255 


to Mrs. Huntingdon, simply to say that I am detained 
here, and don’t know at what hour to-day I shall be 
home.” 

“ I will do so,” said Margaret, and she left the 
room. 

It is true that Oceana had gone through much emo- 
tion; hut it is also true that her healthy young appe- 
tite asserted itself, and, at the sight of pleasant and 
wholesome food, she ate well and heartily. Then, feeling 
altogether less strained and less perplexed, she lay 
down on the sofa, and a minute later had entered the 
land of dreams. Little did the happy girl guess, as she 
dreamt of wonderful things to come, of wonderful things 
past, of amazing things present, what an anguished 
head had been pressed time and again upon that pillow ; 
and how terrible the outlook into the future had been 
to one storm-tossed and heavy-laden heart. 

While Oceana slept the sleep of an infant in Lady 
Margaret’s boudoir. Lady Margaret herself slept as she 
had not done for long, long years upstairs. It was past 
noon, it was, indeed, approaching the tea hour, when 
with a sigh she awakened. The doctor had been twice 
to see her, had felt her pulse, had pronounced it won- 
derfully calm and strong, had looked at her face, which 
seemed to be deprived of half its wrinkles; in astonish- 
ment had begged of Margaret on no account to do any- 
thing to disturb this change for the better, and had 
left the house. When he came the second time Mar- 
garet had begged to know if it were well for her mother 
to sleep so long without nourishment. But the wise 
young doctor declared that sleep was at once her healing 
and her nourishment. Margaret, therefore, said no 


more. 


266 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


When at last Lady Margaret did open her dark eyes, 
it was to see her daughter seated by her bedside. She 
looked round her at first in a bewildered way, riien she 
said feebly : What has happened ? ” 

Then a smile crossed her features, and she said aloud : 

The blessed child, the blessed, blessed child ! and 
then she said : I thank Thee, God Almighty.’’ After- 
wards she turned to Margaret with a smile on her face, 
while tears filled her eyes. 

Mums, you have had such a glorious sleep,” said 
that young person ; and you are miles and miles bet- 
ter. Doctor Belton has been twice to see you, and 
he is amazed at the change. Now you must drink this 
very strong soup. Just let me raise your head a trifle, 
and afterwards you shall have a dose of your tonic, and 
then a tempting little meal of tea and bread-and-butter. 
By the way, mums, Oceana is waiting ; she is downstairs. 
I put her into your room, for she seemed so tired. I 
think she is still asleep. I peeped in at her an hour 
ago, and she looked just like a baby, so pretty and so 
very sound asleep.” 

I want to see her,” said Lady Margaret. Arrange 
that she has tea with me, will you, Margaret ? ” 

I will, mums,” answered Margaret. 

Tea was brought presently. Lady Margaret was now 
sitting up. Her maid had come in, and had carefully 
and tenderly washed her face and hands, and combed 
back the hair, which was now almost white, but was still 
very thick and shiny. 

You look better — ^wonderfully better, madam,” 
said the woman, looking at her mistress with admira- 
tion. 

Lady Margaret smiled. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


257 


I am better,” she replied. 

Tea was served in the daintiest fashion. A little 
table was put close to the bedside, and then Margaret 
ran down for Oceana. Oceana, as though she expected 
her, was awake. She sat up, looking round her in a 
dazed fashion. 

Oceana, my dear, you must come straight to my 
room and have a wash, and brush your hair. You had 
best take off your hat; you will look more homelike 
without it ; and then you will come straight to mums, 
won’t you, dear ? ” 

“ Yes, of course I will,” said Oceana. How is your 
mother, Margaret ? ” 

Much better — in fact, she is different.” 

She will get well, now,” said Oceana. 

“ I am almost inclined to believe it, although Perci- 
val and I feared the very worst last night.” 

Oceana made no reply to this. She went with Mar- 
garet, washed her face and hands, and then joined Lady 
Margaret in the big bedroom; Margaret only conducted 
her guest to the door. 

Go in alone,” she said to the girl ; she will like 
that best.” 

Oceana did so. She looked with her brightest of 
smiles at the woman who was sitting up in bed. She 
crossed the room with that free gait of hers, which only 
Nature itself could give her, and when she reached Lady 
Margaret she stooped down and kissed that lady on the 
forehead. 

Now I must pour out your tea for you,” she said. 

Yes, dear, please do.” 

While Oceana helped Lady Margaret to tea she assisted 
her also to conversation. She managed to make remarks 
17 


258 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


which pleased and stimulated the good lady; she kept 
far from all engrossing topics. At last the meal came 
to an end; then Lady Margaret took the girl’s two 
hands, and said : Kneel by me, Oceana.” 

Oceana knelt. 

I have dreamt it out, clear and plain, in that long 
and wonderful sleep,” said Lady Margaret ; and it 
can never — never disturb me again. You have lifted 
the load from my shoulders, you have done it. I never 
thought, in all my wildest imaginings, of anything so 
simple, so gracious, so noble.” 

You will agitate yourself if you talk more about 
it,” said Oceana. We know what pur compact is. 

When your son asks me to marry him, I will say ^ Yes,’ 
and you will give your consent, and in due course we 
shall be husband and wife ; and afterwards we shall have 
our honeymoon; and all the time you will know that I 
hold your secret without really holding it ; that I guess 
what no one else guesses ; and that I love you in spite of 
it. But it is also clearly understood that you don’t tell 
me the real, real, out-and-out secret until I come back 
to you as your daughter, your son’s wife. And now you 
have borne enough to-day, and I think I have borne 
enough, too; so I am going back to Mrs. Hunting- 
don.” 

But, Oceana dear, dear child, you — ^will you not 
wait to see Percival ? ” 

No,” said the girl, and the first touch of her old 
pride seemed to come back to her stately young figure 
and beautiful face. Whoever I am, whether low or 
high, he must come to me.” 

She left the house a few minutes later. Had Perci- 
val known that she was going he would doubtless have 


OCEA^TA^S GIELHOOD 


259 


followed her ; but she had taken care to go away when no 
one was looking; and when she found herself under the 
shelter of the trees, she ran as fast as she could back 
to Glenleven. 

Tea was over at the Huntingdons when she entered 
the pretty drawing-room. Mrs. Huntingdon looked at 
the girl with an anxious face. 

Oceana, where have you been — ^what has happened ? 
Tell me, do tell me. Have you glad or bad news of 
Lady Margaret ? ” 

I went to see her this morning,’’ said Oceana. 

I guessed you must be there when I got your mes- 
sage, and I terribly feared that it meant bad news.” 

On the contrary, it means good news,” said Oceana. 

Lady Margaret is better ; it is my impression she will 
get well.” 

Have you nothing more to tell me, my child ? ” 

Ho,” said the girl, a little restlessly. Oh, I have 
had tea. Thank you so much for keeping for me; I 
am so — so pining to be out of doors. May I go just 
for a short time ? ” 

Of course you may, dear.” 

Amongst the many beauties which belonged to the 
Glenleven estate was a wonderful old lake, and Oceana 
went now and stood by the edge of the lake. After a 
time she sat down on the bank, folded her arms round 
her knees, and gazed at the reflection of her own image in 
the water. She had tossed off her hat, and her hair 
was somewhat untidy. She attempted to sweep it away 
from her brow, but it fell forward again, giving her a 
curious, half-wild appearance. There were innumer- 
able daisies growing in the grass near by — daisies also 
of the Marguerite ” species. Oceana picked a quan- 


260 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


tity, made them into a wreath, and twined them through 
her raven-black hair; she then put a garland round her 
neck and hung another about her waist; and each time 
that she put on a fresh garland of the simple flowers she 
laughed happily to herself. Suddenly she stood up, 
held the branch of an old tree, which hung partly over 
the water, and bent forward in order to support her- 
self and gaze at her own image in the liquid depths 
below. She saw a slender form, a young, delicate face, 
eyes very bright and very blue, and the Marguerite 
daisies and the other daisies of the field decorating her 
everywhere. Suddenly a voice said : Oceana of the 
cave ! ” 

She turned, with something of her old, swift action, 
and saw Percival Manners striding across the grass to 
her side. He took both her hands and tried to look into 
her eyes. 

Are you going to turn me away this time ? ” he 

said. 

His voice shook. There was a peculiar vibrating 
quality in his voice, and his eyes, so mystical, so dark, so 
veiled from the scrutiny of the ordinary world, seemed 
to compel the girl to raise her own to his. As Oceana’s 
blue, blue eyes looked into the dark eyes of Percival, 
suddenly it seemed to the girl that the mist which had 
obscured the true meaning of the young man’s soul dis- 
appeared, and she looked straight into his heart of hearts. 
She gave a cry, low, and yet full of happiness, and fell 
on his neck. In an instant his arms were round her, 
and he was whispering those soft words — those most 
beautiful words in all the world, of first, first love — ’ 
into her ears. • 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 261 

“ You care for me — is it possible ? Can it be that 
God is so good ? ” said the young man. 

Yes, I care for you,” she answered ; and I think,” 
she added, “ that I must have cared for you all the 
time.” 

I have seen my mother, Oceana,” he remarked a 
few minutes later ; there is such a change in her. She 
says it is all owing to you ; and although she did not tell 
me where I should find you, or how, or in what attitude 
of mind, I felt somehow that you would be here, and 
that when we met you would be good to me. Oh, God 
in heaven alone knows how happy I am, and how little 
I have deserved this from you.” 


OHAPTEK XXVII 


Late on the same evening Oceana sat in her own room. 
She was writing a long letter to Mammy-mine. 

Darling/’ it began, and it ended with the word 
dearest.” But what came between was the wonder of 
the whole future to Mammy Barfoot, for Oceana wrote 
as follows: — 

I received your most precious letter, and the little, 
little shirt, and I have the shirt safe ; and perhaps some 
day I shall return it to you; and there is no doubt at 
all, my own, own mammy-mine, that I shall learn the 
true story of the little shirt, and the meaning of the ini- 
tials that are inscribed on it some day. But although, my 
own mammy, I may learn the secret of all that that little 
shirt means, and of all that the stranger said to you as 
he was dying; you, mammy, will never know, nor 
will anyone else in all the wide world. But that means 
nothing at all, so, darling, you must not fret for your 
girl — the girl you brought up to try to honour God and 
to obey His commandments; the girl you taught about 
the best of all things; the girl to whom you gave that 
most priceless gift of a mother’s love ; for to me, mammy, 
has come the crowning joy of life — the great, great 
crown, when one sees oneself, as it were, transfigured. 
I have found one who is to me what your good hus- 
band was to you, my mammy, a long, long time ago; 

262 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


263 


and now I must not make a short story long, for it is 
all quite simple. I love Percival Manners, and Perci- 
val Manners loves me; and we are going to be married 
in three weeks from now ; and I have made it a condition 
of our marriage that you and daddy are to be present, 
and the girls — the two older girls, and the twins; and 
Lady Margaret will pay the expense of your journey. 
You must all get new dresses, and look very, very smart, 
and I will have no bridesmaids except my own foster- 
sisters, for they are near to me as my own flesh and blood 
is near; and if Ted will come Pd love to see him; but 
I must leave that, under the circumstances, to him. 
Tell him from me, mammy, that I guess that his love 
is of such a noble kind, that he will be glad to know that 
I am happy, that I expect the very highest from him, 
and that I know quite well, deep down in my heart — 
for there is that in me which can see sights and behold 
visions — that the girl who will love him as he ought to 
be loved is coming to meet him, and that he will be as 
happy with her as I am with Percival. I cannot send you 
back the little shirt yet, for its work is not quite done. 
Lady Margaret has been ill, but is better; and she and 
I are good friends ; and she makes me heartily welcome 
as her future daughter; and I know that there never 
could be such a happy pair in all the world as Percival 
and 1. That, I think, is all. You will be glad for me, 
for you are one who ever rejoiced in my joy and mourned 
in my sorrow ; and I am sorry now that I was naughty 
all these years about Lady Margaret; but we learn to 
be wise as we grow older. Please tell daddy, and ask 
him to send me a letter; and tell the girls that I will 
give them a full description of the dresses they are to 
wear as my bridesmaids when the wedding-day is quite 


264 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


fixed; but I cannot think of details to-night. Only, 
mammj, I am 50 happy, and the only thing on earth, in 
addition that I want is to put my arms round you and 
lay my head on your breast, and kiss you as I did when 
I was a little child. — Yours, dearest. 


“ OOEANA.'^ 


CHAPTER XXVIII 


It may be well supposed that when Oceana’s letters 
were received a few mornings later in the Barfoot house- 
hold it caused the utmost amazement. Mammy Barfoot 
read it through three or four times before she even took 
in its meaning. It was her privilege to read her own 
letters uninterrupted, a privilege which she extended to 
no one else’s letters. It was the custom in the family 
to respect this good-natured, warm-hearted, affectionate 
woman as many a sterner woman of firmer build is not 
respected. Her children loved her, her husband was 
devoted to her. For mammy’s sake ” was like an 
echo in the house. For mammy’s sake things were done 
right, for Mammy’s sake evil speeches, cruel thoughts, 
injurious actions, were avoided, and it was all because 
in the first place they loved Mammy and in the next 
place they so absolutely and fully and thoroughly re- 
spected her. 

So there was silence in that noisy, hearty, healthy 
group while Mammy read her foster-child’s letter. When 
at last she had quite taken in its meaning and had 
turned very white, although her eyes looked darker than 
usual, she desired Flossie to pass it to the feyther.” 
Farmer Barfoot took it up gravely, glanced at his wife, 
noticed her emotion, and, putting his big horn glasses 
over his eyes, also proceeded to read the letter, but he 
265 


266 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


did not do so as quietly as Mrs. Barfoot had done. 
He said Pooh, pooh,” once or twice, then he took off 
his glasses to wipe them, and put them on again, and 
continued to read, and finally he exclaimed, Well, I 
never ! ” and then he looked round at all his children, 
and exclaimed, This heats everything hollow. Here^s 
the rummest go I ever heard tell on.” But his wife had 
a smile on her face, and when he saw that smile, he 
smiled also and said, after a minute, Here’s a cute 
little ’un for you, and whoever would have supposed that 
our Oceana would end in being a fine madam and — and 
— and — all — all the rest.” 

What I wish to know is this,” said Mrs. Barfoot. 

Whyever wor it allowed ? That’s the meaning I want 
to get hold on, that’s what puzzles I, and what’s more, 
it’s a puzzle I mean to unravel.” 

You always were a wummun for puzzling things 
out,” replied her husband. Ef you puzzled less, Mary, 
my wife, we’d have a happier time, but there, there — 
there ain’t a warmer heart or a truer anywhere in Eng- 
land ; and the gell allows it, she do, solemn and true. 
She have a true spirit in her, that gel have. Now, then, 
listen you all.” 

Here the farmer turned to his astonished children. 

I say, there are junketings ahead. What do you 
think of a trip to the other side of nowhere at all ? ” 

What do you mean, father ? ” said Dollie. “ Where- 
ever is nowhere at all ? ” 

Out of the duchy of Cornwall is, to my thinking, 
nowhere at all,” replied the farmer, and out of that 
duchy we’ll all have to go — eh, but there’s junketings 
ahead. Who now do you think is going to be married ? 
Elossie, you give a guess ; Dollie, you ain’t bad for that 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


267 


sort of thing, and my pretty Nessie and my pretty Deb, 
you’re in the thick of the fun also. Ted, my son, this 
will be news to you. Now, then, who’ll have the first 
guess ? ” 

There was a dead silence. Ted looked sheepish, heavy- 
eyed and half-frightened. His face got scarlet. He 
pushed aside his breakfast and rose from the table. 

I’m in no mood for junketings,” he said, and he 
marched with a very heavy step out of the kitchen. 

Let him go, he’ll get over it, and the wench sends 
him a message all to hisself,” said the farmer, winking 
at his daughters. Now then, who’ll guess. Which 
of yez, my daughters, ’ll guess the news ? ” 

Nessie cried out. Maybe it’s Oceana, for her — 
her is so very pretty, and her lives so far away.” 

“ Come along here, Nessie,” said the farmer, “ give 
I a kiss on the cheek. You he a smart wench and no 
mistake. I can’t read ye all the letter, for it’s writ 
to the good wife, and what’s hers is mine, but it don’t 
belong to no one else.” 

And there’s something more to be said,” remarked 
Mrs. Barfoot, who had remained silent during the 
greater part of this scene, even my good man shan’t 
read Oceana’s letter more than once,” and she crossed 
the room, took up the letter, and thrust it into the bosom 
of her dress. 

But is Oceana going to he married ? ” said Elossie. 

’Tain’t to Ted, by any chance ! ” exclaimed Dollie. 

What nonsense you do speak. Ted, indeed. Hold 
him up, make a fuss on him, marry him to a fine lady, 
and spoil him, say I. There’s a pretty little wench I 
have my eye on for Ted, and her don’t live so far away, 
and her eyes are as black as sloes.” 


268 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


I guess, I guess,” said Flossie, it’s little — little 
» 

Now, you shut your mouth. Floss, no more of this. 
Ted’s turn will come ; but it ain’t come yet. There are 
fine junketings first, and we’re all to go. Oceana ain’t 
ashamed of us, though she’s going to be turned into a 
fine lady. Her ain’t one by birth; but her’ll soon be one 
by marriage. Her like will never be seen in this yere 
house again, for she’s too good and too beautiful for 
folks like us ; but mayhap we’ll see her driving by in her 
beautiful carriage, and staying at Sir Charles Dyke’s 
place; and mayhap her’ll smile at us as she goes by; 
and mayhap her’ll have tea in the best parlour, 
with Mammy-mine to pour it out for her; and mayhap 
— why, Mary, my wife, whatever is the matter ? ” 

The matter is this,” said Mary Barfoot : I’m 
ashamed of you, that I be. I didn’t know it were in you, 
Luke, to doubt our own girl as you're doing. Ashamed 
of us ! That she’ll never be ; if she were fifty thousand 
times the wife of Mr. Percival Manners, still she’d 
love the Eidge Farm better than any other place on 
earth. Don’t she show it by this letter? Luke, I’m 
ashamed on you ! ” 

Here the girls began to utter hearty exclamations. 
There was unbounded astonishment, envy, surprise and 
pleasure mingling in their tones. 

But her do write pretty, the sweetheart,” said 
Mammy-mine. And let me see, it’s to be in three 
weeks, and Flossie, you and Dollie are to be brides- 
maids. Think of that! Her’ll write again and tell us 
about the dresses ; and my twinses, bless ’em — ^my Nessie 
and my Deb, are likewise to be bridesmaids; for her’ll 
have no others; and Ted needn’t be down-hearted, foi 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


269 


there’s a very special message sent to he, which I’ll 
read to him alone to-night. And now then, for goodness 
gracious’ sake, off with you to your work ! Whoever 
Oceana marries, her’ll never forget the Barfoots; but 
work must be done, whether her remains as she be or 
is turned quick into a great lady. Eh ! but farmer’s 
wrong. Luke, my man, you are quite wrong. Oceana’s 
a lady by birth, and you ain’t, and I ain’t, and our 
children ain’t. But let’s get to work ; it’s best to work, 
whether one is high-born or low-born.” 

Then let’s do it,” said the farmer. 

He went out of the house. He went into the barn 
where he and Oceana had spoken words each to the other 
which they were never to forget. 

I feel bamboozled-like,” he said to himself, and he 
sat down on the old bench where he had sat so often in 
those days of misery before Lady Margaret had cleared 
him of his debts, and set him once again on his feet. 

He was quite a happy and prosperous farmer now. 
Lady Margaret had made easy terms for him. She had 
managed her business so cleverly that even his pride was 
not upset. He could bear to feel a certain amount of 
indebtedness to this great, high-born, grand lady ; for the 
money was only a loan, and he saw his way to return 
it; and until the capital was restored he could pay in- 
terest, for matters were really going very well. He 
had a sufficient sum in hand to be able to start the 
newest improvements and to work his farm on true 
scientific principles, and Ted was hand in glove with 
him in this matter. Ho fear now of the Barfoots going 
down in the world ; no talk of the workhouse for the old 
couple; of service for his bonny girls; and of emigra- 
tion, perhaps, for his only son. They would stay on at the 


270 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


farm; they would be people of the soil to the end of 
the long chapter. Nevertheless, this happy farmer felt, 
as he expressed it, bamboozled.” 

What did this marriage mean? He was a man of 
few words; but he had not failed to remark Oceana’s 
dislike, her inexplicable dislike, to Lady Margaret Man- 
ners. Even as a child she had shown, in his opinion, 
gross ingratitude for Lady Margaret’s kindness to her; 
she had despised that good lady’s attentions; she had 
hated what he himself had forced her to accept. Lady 
Margaret had been consistently good to a girl who, after 
all, was only a nameless orphan. She had been good to 
her, right up to the very end, and now the crown of her 
goodness was apparent; for she permitted this child, 
without a name, without an identity, to marry into one of 
the proudest families in Yorkshire, to become the wife 
of the owner of one of the largest estates. 

It don’t sound straight, it does bamboozle me,” 
thought the worthy man, and he scratched his head and 
thought over what had occurred. He was puzzled be- 
yond description. 

I don’t like it,” he said to himself, and after a time, 
in the course of the morning, and just when he was least 
expected, he walked into the kitchen, where Mrs. Bar- ; 
foot was sitting down busily engaged over some sewing, j 
Mammy Barfoot was one of those women who seldom < 
or never lose their heads. She had not lost hers on this 1 
occasion. She had thought immediately of what would ^ 
be required during the next few weeks, and was quietly 
making the necessary preparations for that great, that 
marvellous event, when the whole family would go to 
Yorkshire to witness her darling’s marriage. The girls 
were busy, as usual, in different parts of the house, the 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 271 

“ twinses,” as they were called, had gone away to 
school. The eight-day clock ticked solemnly. 

Whatever’s wrong, Luke ? ” said the wife, glancing 
at her husband as she spoke. 

I’m worrited.” 

You,” she answered. Whatever for ? ” 

“ It’s this marriage business. It don’t strike me as 
straight, Mary, my wummun.” 

And why should it not be straight ? ” said Mrs. Bar- 
foot, her eyes flashing. I think we know Oceana well 
enough to be sure that her’ll do the straight thing, 
whatever else is wrong. Oceana ain’t like others ; 
her letter’s happy enough.” 

I’m not saying naught against our wench,” said the 
farmer, but I want to ax ’e a few questions, Mary, 
my wummun. What are the letters writ on the little 
sea-stained shirt ? ” 

Mrs. Barfoot glanced at her husband in astonishment. 

“ I didn’t know as you remembered the little shirt,” 
she said. 

Eh, but I do,” he replied. I remember it well 
enough, and how the babe looked when her wore it, 
and you telling me about the letters.” 

They were embroidered on it, Luke, my man, and 
they stood for ‘ L.F.F.,’ and the shirt was mighty fine 
cambric, but badly stained, badly stained by the sea, 
Luke Barfoot.” 

’Es,” said Luke. You ’m kep’ it, ain’t you, 
Mary?” 

Yes and no,” replied Mrs. Barfoot. 

Whatever do you mean by yes and no— what do yes 
and no mean ? ” 

They mean in this case,” said Mrs. Barfoot, “ that 


272 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


I sent the shirt three or four days ago to Oceana, by 
her own request. I told she to be mighty careful on 
it, for it was the only clue left to what she wore afore 
the good ship was sunk in the trough of the waves.” 

Then her has the shirt now ? ” 

Yes, Luke, that’s true.” 

Why ever did her want it ? ” 

Her don’t say, but her’ll keep it for me.” 

Can you tell me the direct words the stranger whis- 
pered in your ear, Mary Barfoot, when he were 
a-dying ? ” 

“ He said that the little ’un was of high rank and 
a great heiress. They were his last words. He breathed 
out his soul in saying them. He died afore he could 
say more.” 

Thank you, Mary.” 

Barfoot went out of the house. 

There’s some folks can bamboozle one,” he said to 
himself, and some folks as can’t. ISTever did I misdoubt 
Lady Margaret Manners or thought her aught but a 
proud, although righteous dame until this blessed min- 
ute; but her being willing to give her only son to our 
Oceana beats me hollow. ‘ L.E.F.’ I’d sore like to 
find out what that stands for. I’ve a mind to go and 
see Sir Charles Dyke, that I have.” 

When the farmer made up his mind he generally 
carried his desires into action. Accordingly, in a very 
short time he was on his way to Sir Charles Dyke’s 
place, and was fortunate in finding that good gentleman 
at home. 

Well, farmer, and how goes the world with you ? ” 
said Sir Charles, speaking in his hearty way. 

Fine, your honour,” replied Farmer Barfoot. 


273 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 

Weather’s good, and so are the prospects, your hon- 
our.” 

I’m glad to hear it. We cannot afford to lose men 
like you out of the country. We are all proud of you, 
Farmer Barfoot, and if report speaks the truth, we 
are likely to have a second Farmer Barfoot in that fine 
lad of yours. I was looking at him only last Sunday in 
church, and I said to her ladyship what a fine young 
fellow he was turning into.” 

Eh, he’s a good lad enough, ef he ain’t bamboozled,” 
said the farmer. He’s need to settle in life same as 
others. Sir Charles, I’ve made bold to come to see ’ee 
on a little matter that perplexes I not a trifle. You 
have, mayhap, heard the news ? ” 

I have heard all sorts of news, amongst others that 
you are settled for good on the farm. I am so glad that 
you were sensible enough to take Lady Margaret’s as- 
sistance. It gave her sincere pleasure to help you.” 

Eh, I took it, and mayhap I did right, or mayhap 
I did wrong. Lady Margaret seems a mighty friendly 
sort of body, seeing as how she’s so high up in the 
world.” 

What do you mean, farmer ? ” 

Well you have surely heard, you and your good 
missus, about Oceana and young Mr. Percival Man- 
ners ? ” 

I have not heard anything in particular — what do 
you mean ? ” 

To think on it,” said Barfoot, and he stamped one 
mighty foot on the ground, Me to know and you not to 
know. They’re to be married. They’re to be wedded. 
Her, Oceana, her that was drawn out of the sea, and 
that proud young man. He high up in the world, and 

18 


274 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


her low down. I take it, that's a bit of news for you, 
Sir Charles ? ” 

It is, it is, and most amazing and unexpected,” 
said Sir Charles quietly. But after all, Oceana is a 
very beautiful girl.” 

Sir Charles, neither me nor my missus want you 
to tell us that. There ain’t her like in the country 
side. She’s our own and her’ll always be our own who- 
ever she marries, but what I’ll say is this. Why does 
Lady Margaret consent that her proud young son should 
marry a lass with no name at all ; and. Sir Charles, 
while I’m about it, I’d be glad to know what the meaning 
of the initials ‘ L.F.F.’ be? ' L.F.F.’ which we found 
on her little shirt when she was a babe. What do they 
stand for, Sir Charles ? I want to get to the bottom of 
this business.” 

There was not the slightest doubt that Sir Charles 
Dyke’s rubicund face turned a queer grey colour at 
that moment, but the farmer was watching him closely. 

I mean to get to the bottom of this mystery,” he 
said. I mean to find out why Lady Margaret consents 
to the marriage of her son to our Oceana.” 

And why should you make mischief ? ” asked Sir 
Charles, suddenly. 

“ Eh, mischief ? Beg your pardon, your honour, I 
don’t understand what you mean.” 

I mean what I say. Your girl is very happy, Per- 
cival is very happy, I rather expect that Lady Margaret 
is very happy. WHio are you to interfere with happi- 
ness ? ” 

I’ll see Oceana as sure as my name is Luke Barfoot. 
^ L.F.F.’ I’ll find out what ^ L.F.F.’ means.” 

I cannot prevent you, but I earnestly beg of you not 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 275 

to interfere with happiness, that is all I have to 
say.’’ 

The farmer turned sullenly, wished his host good- 
morning, and went back to the Ridge Farm. Very early 
on the following morning, he got up, dressed himself, 
and bent over his sleeping wife. 

‘‘ Mary, my wummun, wake a minute.” 

Mary Barfoot opened her soft brown eyes. 

Why, Luke, whatever is it ? ” 

I’m off to see Oceana.” 

‘^Luke, what for?” 

“ I’ll tell ye when I come back.” 

Luke, you ain’t going to do a mischief ? ” 

I ain’t, but I’m going to unravel a mystery. Good- 
bye, wife; my pecker’s up, and my foot’s down, and 
nothing you can say ’ull stop me.” 

The man turned and left the room. 

Mrs. Barfoot sat up on her bed, with her heart 
beating. What was going to happen ? What was wrong? 
She felt a strange and overpowering sense of fear. 


CHAPTER XXIX 


Barfoot was no traveller. As a matter of fact, he 
had never before in the whole course of his existence 
set his feet outside the duchy of Cornwall; the duchy 
of Cornwall represented his whole world. Here he was 
born, and here he hoped to die. When he found himself 
in what he was pleased to call a foreign country,” 
but what his neighbours spoke of as England proper, 
he looked around him with a puzzled expression. 

ThereM ought to be a differ,” he said to himself ; 
somehow I sort o’ expected it.” 

The grass ought to be a different colour, not quite 
so green, not quite so rich, and the trees ought to have 
a different foliage, and to be of a different shape. 
Even the sky in England, that foreign land,” need 
not wear quite so bright and everyday a blue as did the 
sky that encompassed his beloved Cornwall. But the 
trees were the same shade, and the grass as verdant, 
and the sky as blue in one place as in the other, and the 
farmer sank back in his third-class compartment, and 
thought of this strange and to him unnatural fact, and 
wondered what was the meaning of countries, and why 
countries were called by different names, and why other 
folks made such a fuss about foreign countries. 

By-and-by he reached his journey’s end, and then,' 

276 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


277 


indeed, the good man was in a state of bewilderment. 
London ? Of course he had heard of London ; who 
hadn’t ? It was the hub of the universe. In the whole 
course of his existence he had never seen so queer, so 
strange, so bewildering a spot. There was no guidance 
anywhere, all was confusion. It seemed to him that the 
streets met so closely that they must almost crush one 
another, that the houses must topple on the heads of the 
unlucky individuals who walked under them, that the 
horses were poor things, and as to the motor-cars and 
taxi ” cabs and ^‘Vanguard” omnibuses, there were 
quite enough to muddle a man’s brain. Even for the 
sake of Oceana, even for the sake of discovering what 
those strange letters L.F.F.” stood for, he almost 
wished he hadn’t come, so pleasant was it in his own 
land, so fragrant was the breeze, so delightful the balmy 
smell of the air, so grand was the wide ocean. Oh, 
yes, London was horrible, horrible ! 

Barfoot was not fool enough to have taken this jour- 
ney without giving himself certain broad instructions. 
When he found himself at last in the great metropolis, 
he consulted a porter and told the man that he wanted to 
go to Yorkshire. He named the town close to where 
Oceana lived, and the porter, being good-natured, and 
judging from his aspect that he knew nothing of the 
great city, ventured to give him certain valuable in- 
formation. Accordingly, Farmer Barfoot was accom- 
modated with a taxi ” cab, and was driven, in what 
he afterwards spoke of as a flash of lightning,” to 
another huge railway station. He was a brave man 
enough, he had never yet owned to the sensation of 
fear, and he did not fear now, although he and the 
driver and the taxi ” cab swept round corners and 


278 


OCEANIA’S GIRLHOOD 


dashed into impossible crushes, and it seemed at each 
moment as though life hung upon a mere thread. He 
paid his fare stolidly, took a third-class return ticket to 
Oceana^s home, and early the following morning found 
himself once again in the sweet, pure country air. How 
he could breathe freely. 

He liked Yorkshire, he liked her open spaces, he liked 
her moors, a sense of peace stole over him. He inquired 
the way to Glenleven, and was directed there ; but when 
he got there, which he did quite early in the morning, 
indeed, soon after eight o’clock, he was told that Miss 
Barfoot was staying at Fanborough for the present. 

Ay, ay,” he answered, I’ve heard of Fanborough, 
and her staying there ! Did ye say, my wench, that the 
gell Oceana, be a-putting up at Fanborough, along wi’ 
Lady Margaret Manners and the grand folk ? ” 

The “ wench ” so spoken to, replied in the affirmative. 
Barfoot asked the way to Fanborough, and very soon 
had started on his road. He got there within half 
an hour and walked up the avenue. He kept saying to 
himself, I’m all one for the right. I’m one as ’ull 
get to the bottom of a mystery. ^ L.F.F.’ ! I must 
know the meaning of those letters, and I must know 
what’s in the very bottom of the mind of that grand 
lady, the Lady Margaret Manners.” 

Glenleven was a very nicely-kept house, with neat 
grounds and pleasant surroundings, hut the farmer hardly 
noticed it; it was not to his taste; it reminded him a 
little hit of Sir Charles Dyke’s place, near his own 
beloved home, and he never had admired Sir Charles 
Dyke’s place, with its neatly-kept walks, its smooth ter- 
races, its orderly flower-beds. He preferred the rough 
and ready style of the Ridge Farm. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


279 


Give me a kitchen like my own, and I desire naught 
better,” he said to himself. 

But when he came in full view of Fanborough, and 
saw its ancient fa§ade and its worn, time-crumbling 
walls, and its castellated roof and its flag-tower at the 
further end, there was something about the aspect of 
the old place, solitary, mediaeval, grand with a grandeur 
which only time can bestow, which impressed him. 
He stood still and looked at the old house, examining it 
with critical eyes, and putting up his hand to shade 
his face. It impressed him, it certainly impressed him. 
Suddenly he gave way to a loud laugh. 

So the dear little nobody as was brought out of the 
sea, is to be mistress here,” he said to himself, and 
then he laughed again, loud and long. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! — he ! he ! he ! ” and then he repeated 
under his breath, What do ‘ L.F.F.’ stand for, and why 
ever did the stranger say that her was of high birth 
and a great heiress ? ” 

As he thought these thoughts he came nearer and 
nearer to the old grey house, which lay at this moment 
bathed in the autumn sunshine. He was just beginning 
to mount the low flight of steps which led to the front 
door, when he saw, coming to meet him across the 
grass, a young pair. A girl dressed in white, with a 
sailor hat on her head, and a man, dark, young, slender, 
handsome. The man’s arm was round the girl’s waist, 
and the girl was looking up at him and laughing. 
But suddenly the girl’s blue eyes fell on the bent figure 
of Farmer Barfoot, and with an exceedingly glad cry 
she flew up the steps, and the next minute had folded 
her arms round his neck, and was kissing his rough 
cheek over and over. 


280 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


Eh, now, missy,” said the farmer, you let I he — 

you^re too grand for the likes of I — you’re, you’re 

He began to tremble, and almost pushed the girl 
away. 

Daddy, daddy ! ” she said, whatever do you mean ? 
Oh, daddy, I am glad, and — I want to introduce Per- 
cival to you. Percival, where are you ? ” 

But Percival Manners was nowhere in sight. 

Come into the house, won’t you, daddy ? Oh, dar- 
ling, you haven’t brought me bad news ? — ^there’s nothing 
wrong with mammy-mine? Speak, speak, what is it 
dear?” 

’Tain’t that,” said the farmer. No, I won’t go 
into the house. I ’a no call to. I was coming to see her 
leddyship.” 

Lady Margaret ? But you can’t see her. What 
a pity you took a long journey just to see her, for you 
can’t; she has been very, very ill. She is better; but 
she is ill still.” 

Then I’d come to see you,” said the farmer, roughly. 
Come along with me. I come all the way from Corn- 
wall. Where shall us go where us two can be alone ? ” 

Oh, there are lots of places. I’ll take you to one. 
But won’t you really come and have breakfast ? ” 

Not me. No, no, Oceana. You were always rare 
and wilful, but I’m not a-coming in. That’s not me.” 

Then I’ll take you to the little summer-house, which 
has a lovely view over half the county, I think.” 

She slipped her soft hand into his toil-worn one and 
led him towards the summer-house. They entered ; she 
sat dovni and faced him. 

Now, what is it, Daddy Barfoot ? What has brought 
you from Cornwall ? ” 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


281 


Your letter, my girl. You writ to the wife, and 

you told her that ” he stopped, swallowed something 

in his throat, looked at her again, and went on. 

You’re like a queen, I’m not denying of it,” he 
said; but you’ve no call to this nor to that,” — he 
pointed in the direction of the view, then backwards 
towards the house — nor to them,” he said, finally ; 
you belong to us, not to them ; you’ve no call to them.” 

They want me. I shall belong to them soon. Per- 
cival wants me ; he doesn’t mind the fact that God took 
me out of the sea ; he thinks it quite beautiful that his 
wife should come to him straight out of the sea, and 
should own no one in all the world except those darling 
folks who rescued her; should have neither father nor 
mother, nor brother nor sister, nor any ties at all except 
her own mammy-mine, and her own daddy Barfoot, and 
her foster-sisters and brother. My Percival thinks iti 
grand. He says that the sea gives me the proudest 
heritage that can belong to any girl.” 

My maid,” said Barfoot, turning and looking full 
at the girl, the young man’s in love, and while that 
state do last they don’t mind what nonsense they talks; 
but afterwards, my lass, when you’re his bonny wife 
and you ’a children of your own, mayhap there’ll come 
people that ’ull point a finger of shame at you and 
‘ Where did her come from ; to whom did her belong ; 
where’s her father ; where’s her mother ; has she anyone 
to prove that she’s of gentle birth, anyone at all ? ’ ” 
Oceana smiled very gently. 

I ’a thought of it all,” said the farmer, and so 
has mammy-mine, as you call her. When you was a little 
tot, we talked and considered on it; not me so much as 
that good wife of mine; and we said to ourselves: 


282 


OCEA:tTA^S GIKLHOOD 


^ Her don’t belong to us ; her ain’t our sort ; her ain’t 
in the same sort o’ rank with Flossie and Dollie and 
Ted and the twinses.’ And as you growed up, and her 
leddyship found you and give you a eddication, it came 
to us over and over and over again that you had naught 
to do with us nor ourselves. We was proud on you; 
but what o’ that ? We loved you well ; but what o’ that ? 
Child, there ain’t no blood o’ mine in your face; and 
the sea — it can give much, hut not blood, nor life, 
nor colour, nor birth; it can’t give you a name, child, 
and you are not right to become one o’ they, without 
a name to match with they’rn.” 

Oceana was silent. 

So when I read your letter,” continued the farmer, 

I took to puzzling, and I puzzled so hard that I be- 
came bamboozled, and at last I said to myself : ^ I’ll go 
alone and see her. I’ll go to that fine lady, and ax 
her straight out whatever she meant by eddicating of 
ye, and whatever she meant by giving me the money 
to put the farm straight, and whatever, above all things, 
she meant by giving the gell without a name to her only 
son, and he the heir of a place like this. ’Tain’t com- 
mon-sense, my gell; there’s a reason for it all, and I 
want to find out the reason, and look you here, my gell, 
I woke the good wife and I axed her what were the 
letters embroidered on the little sea-stained shirt, and her 
said they were ‘ L.F.F.’ What do they stand for ? 
And what’s more, I axed her what were the stranger’s 
last words when he brought ’e to shore, and when be 
were a’ dying, he said, ‘ She’s of high rank, and a great 
heiress,’ and then death gripped him before he could 
tell your true name. I wanted to find out the rights 
for you, Oceana, for I love ’e well, as do my missus. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


283 


and so do us all, and I wanted to place ’e high and drj 
in jour own place, and to humble her proud leddjship, 
and to give ’e back jour lawful rights. That’s what I’ve 
come for, and that’s what I mean to do ; so even if her 
leddjship be ill she must bear to see the farmer — ^that’s 
the long and short of it.” 

The farmer stopped speaking. He took out his hand- 
kerchief and wiped his face, he took off his hat, and 
pushed back his damp hair. He put it on again well on 
the back of his head, and looked straight at the girl. 

“ Daddj,” she said, quietlj, it’s all settled. But the 
meaning of ^ L.F.F.’ and the meaning of the stranger’s 
words will never be told to mammj-mine or to jou, 
mj own daddj. But it’s all right, quite all right, for I, 
who will know, have promised never to reveal.” 

Then there is a mjsterj. I’ll get to the lawjers. 
Thej’ll ferret it out.” 

“ Do JOU want to kill me, daddj, and to kill her ? 
Oh, she has borne so much. You mean it all in kindness, 
but JOU must not see her; no one will know but just 
Oceana. And see here, daddj. Deep as the sea is mj 
nature, deep, deep, deep, and down, down, down, in 
the depths of the depths of the sea, will I plunge that 
secret when it is revealed to me. But first, daddj 
darling, I shall become the wife of Percival Manners, 
and, mj own daddj, jou shall come and see me married, 
JOU shall give me away, for jou acted as mj true 
father. Percival wishes it, and so do I. But the secret, 
dear dearest, that is for me alone, to be sealed up in 
mj breast, and never, never, never, to be told to anj- 
one on earth.” 

And are you satisfied ? ” 

^^I thought it out. I planned it out, it is all mj 


284 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


doing. No one is to blame but me. You must come 
with me to Glenleven, if you won’t come with me to 
Fanborough. My darling, this is a quiet talk between 
us. Go back to mammy and the children and tell the 
girls that I have planned how they are to be dressed. 
Just simply as though they were going to church on 
Sunday, in their gingham dresses and in their neat 
sun-bonnets, and mammy is to wear her best dress, the 
purple one with the sprig of lilac, and that cap with 
pink ribbons inside her bonnet; and you, daddy, are to 
wear the dress of what you are, that proud gentleman, 
a Cornish farmer, and I, your little Oceana, will belong 
to you, and you will take me to church, and I shall 
dress as simply as the little girl might dress who was 
drawn out of the sea, and whom the sea gives to Perci- 
val as his bride. Just very simply, only all in white. 
Tell the girls and mammy-mine that from me. And 
now, daddy, come to Glenleven, and I will give you 
some breakfast.” 

You beat me hollow,” said the farmer. “ You 
have a way with you which always masters me. It 
beats me hollow.” 

Say nothing to mammy about this talk of yours and 
mine. Don’t fret her loving heart. But do tell her from 
me that there never, on God’s earth, was a happier girl 
than Oceana, and that she really found her happiness 
when she dropped her pride and took the great blessing 
that God gave her. Tell mammy that I ask her to go 
on praying for me, and to remember that I am always 
her child; and don’t forget the purple dress with the 
little sprig of lavender, for I won’t be married unless 
mammy wears that, and you, daddy, in your Sunday 
best — oh, you look splendid like that! The farmer’s 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 285 

girl marries the squire. Think of it ! ” Oceana laughed 
joyfully. 

The farmer was quite right when he said that Oceana 
invariably had her way. She took him back with her 
to Glenleven. He did not want to see the Huntingdons. 
She gave him a meal in another room. Afterwards 
she walked about with him, and chatted with him on 
all sorts of subjects, and he confided to her his secret 
with regard to Ted and the black-eyed gell ” who he 
thought would make a suitable mistress for the Ridge 
Earm some distant day when he and mammy-mine were 
gathered to their fathers. Oceana sent a great many 
messages to Ted, which the farmer was to give him 
in private, and which no one else was to know anything 
about; and she also sent loving messages to the girls, 
and full directions with regard to the bridesmaids’ 
dresses; and last, but not least, her best, best love to 
mammy-mine. 

The farmer went home, and even to his own wife he 
never told the full particulars of his interview. But 
Oceana, after she had seen him ofiP at the railway station, 
walked quietly back in the cool of the evening to Eanbor- 
ough. She thought of all that he had said, and a glow of 
great love for him and great pride in him and his 
swelled up in her heart. When she met her lover, she 
told him at once how she had spent her day; but 
she did not give him the real reason of the farmer’s 
visit. 

I want you, Percival,” she said, to promise me 
that once at least every year you and I will spend a 
couple of. days at the Ridge Earm, and that sometimes, 
when we can, we will ask mammy-mine and daddy Bar- 
foot to visit us at Eanborough; for I can never forget 
that they are to me as my own people, for, dear Percival, 


286 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


I could never have become your wife but for mammy- 
mine and wbat sbe did for me.” 

So tbe young man, loving ber exceedingly, promised 
ber all that ber heart could desire. 

Thus the days went on. Preparations were made 
swiftly. Lady Margaret got better, her heart was 
stronger, she slept well, her appetite returned to her. She 
was interested, even excited, about the marriage, although 
it was decided that she was not to he present at the 
church. Oceana’s choice of her wedding dress puzzled 
her future sister-in-law not a little. 

What ! ” she said, you will wear a white straw hat 
with a white ribbon and a little muslin dress just 
coming down to your ankles ? ” 

Oceana nodded. 

Afterwards,” she said, I will dress as befits the 
girl who has a look of the grand Lady Erancesca Man- 
ners. But when my own people give me away I want 
to be dressed to fit the part. Never mind, Margaret; 
yield to me in this little thing.” 

Oh, but of course we will all yield to you,” said 
Margaret ; and I do think you are perfectly splendid, 
Oceana. I love you for being so true to those who were 
good to you when you were little and helpless, and for- 
saken and unknown.” 


CHAPTER XXX 


The people in the neighbourhood of Eanborough were 
a good deal surprised at the quiet wedding which took 
place there early one morning, in the old-fashioned par- 
ish church. The owner of the greatest property in the 
county was the bridegroom. The service took place about 
nine o’clock, but the event, although so quietly conducted, 
was of such profound interest to the entire neighbourhood 
that the old church was crammed with spectators. There 
was the bride in her simple dress, wearing her very 
plainly decorated white hat, and there were her foster- 
sisters and her foster-mother and foster-father, who 
proudly and with a sort of native dignity of his own, 
gave her away. There was not a person present in the 
congregation who did not know something about the 
history of that young girl and the part that the good 
Barfoots played in her life. It was well-known that 
she was a maiden drawn from the sea, that she had been 
rescued by that woman with the beautiful brown eyes, 
who stood so close to her in her homely dress to-day, 
that nobody knew what her real name was, that no one 
could tell to whom she belonged. She was a child of the 
sea, and as her beautiful blue eyes were turned with a 
glance of unutterable love towards those who had sus- 
tained her in her infancy and early days, there was not 
a heart in that congregation that did not throb with 
287 


288 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


sympathy for one so beautiful, so graceful, so simple, 
and so grateful for the kindness that had been showered 
upon her. 

By-and-by, when the wedding was over and when the 
bride and bridegroom had gone away on their honey- 
moon, in every house, little or great, which surrounded 
Fanborough, the circumstances of Oceana’s marriage to 
Percival Manners were commented on. Her story was 
repeated from one mouth to the other and the universal 
verdict was this: 

She is a lady by birth, she is a lady, every inch of 
her ; only one who has a perfect and womanly heart could 
have acted as she did to-day. Percival Manners has 
raised himself indeed when he has united himself with 
the Maid of the Sea. She will make him a splendid 
wife ; she will be the finest lady who ever held sway at 
Fanborough; even Percival’s kinswoman, the great Lady 
Francesca Manners, cannot hold a candle to her.” Then 
someone remarked, But does she not look like Lady 
Francesca ? ” It was a startling comment to mal e, and 
the person who said the words found that it was taken up 
like wildfire. One and all agreed that the likeness was 
extraordinary, and one and all determined that when they 
visited Fanborough on the return of the young bride, 
they would beg to have a fresh sight of the portrait of 
the great lady, who yet so marvellously resembled the ; 
girl of unknown origin. 

Lady Margaret was not present at the wedding. 
Oceana herself had begged that she would stay quietly 
at home; but when the girl returned to the house she ] 
kissed the elder lady and whispered a word of comfort ■' 
into her ear. ] 

I belong to you now, and your secrets are mine.” I 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


289 


Lady Margaret pressed the slender and yet strong 
young hand, and felt that she had indeed someone to 
lean upon, and that in future her burden would scarcely 
weigh on her at all. 

Percival and his wife stayed away from Fanborough 
for a couple of months, during which time Lady Mar- 
garet and her daughter went to London, and during which 
time also the old house was put into the hands of the 
best decorators to partly refurnish and to make it a suit- 
able home for the young bride. Lady Margaret had se- 
lected a suite of rooms for herself, where she was to 
live whenever she liked, going about, however, freely 
amongst her many friends, and leading quite an inde- 
pendent existence when she chose to visit Fanborough. 

I shall, of course, act as my son’s mother,” she said 
to Oceana, but whatever else life has taught me, I 
have at least learnt the wisdom of leaving young people 
to settle their own affairs in their own way.” 

Oceana was also wise enough to make no objection to 
this plan. Soon after her return Margaret Manners 
was to take up her accustomed life amongst the poor in 
East London. 

Oh, it will be so good ! ” she said ; “ and you, 
Oceana, have made it possible.” 

As a matter of fact. Lady Margaret was gaining 
strength and a great deal of her lost youth during these 
long days ; only her own weary and troubled heart knew 
how she enjoyed the rest which was hers during Perci- 
val’s honeymoon. But all good and peaceful things come 
to an end, just as surely as the storms and crises of life 
depart, leaving the sky clear and blue once again. 

It was on the evening before Lady Margaret and her 
daughter were to return to Fanborough, that Margaret 
19 


290 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


said, Well, mums, you owe a great deal to the girl 
who was drawn from the sea.” 

I do, Margaret,” was her mother’s answer. Then 
Lady Margaret said slowly, I think I owe her every- 
thing.” 

Margaret looked with new affection at her mother. 

You are wonderful,” she said at last; you were 
carrying a burden which pulled you down to the ground, 
hut somebody has cut the thongs and you are walking 
upright. You were as one almost blind, but now you see. 
You will never tell me what has caused this marvellous 
change ? ” 

Oceana,” said the mother in a low voice. 

Am I not to know, just beyond the all too patent 
fact that Oceana is the immediate cause ? ” 

If she wishes she will tell you, child ; all I can say 
is this: that I am happy once again, and that she has 
made me so.” 

It is splendid when one really conquers pride,” an- 
swered Margaret, in a low, intense voice. She looked 
full into her mother’s face and made no further remark. 

The next day mother and daughter went to Eanbor- 
ough, and preparations were made to give the bride a 
royal reception. If Oceana had chosen to be married 
as the humble daughter of humble people, she came back 
to the home which was now hers, because,” as she said 
to herself, it is my husband’s,” dressed to fit her new 
position. Her real genuine pride and worth came out in 
this. It was her natural feeling, her inborn good taste, 
which caused her to dress at once simply and yet in a 
costly fashion; but there was a look of absolute distinc- 
tion about her which arrested the attention of all those 
who looked into her sweet face. Oceana could not be 


OCEAJTA^S GIKLHOOD 291 

conceited, and although she now possessed — she who had 
been a little waif and nobody — position, rank, riches and 
beauty, she did not show a scrap of self-consciousness 
with regard to these manifold gifts. As soon as she had 
' spoken to the assembled servants and friends, and had 
I kissed Margaret, she ran to find her mother-in-law. She 
I knelt down by her, swept her young, strong arms round 
the elder lady's waist, laid her head on her shoulder, and 
said: You will keep your word; but I don't want to 

I hear anything for quite a week." 

Is that really so ? I am ready, I am prepared," said 
Lady Margaret. 

“ I will hear nothing for a week," repeated Oceana ; 

and you will come down and be with us to-night at 
dinner ? We shall so love to have you ; and Percy and 
I have so much to talk over with you ; and I do so par- 
ticularly want you and Margaret to help me with my 
first reception." 

Thus it came to pass that a few days afterwards, 
Oceana, all in white — her favourite colour — was stand- 
ing in the most beautiful of the many beautiful drawing- 
rooms at Fanborough to receive visitors, who poured in 
to welcome her to her lawful place — ^how lawful that 
place really was none of them guessed; but one and all 
were primed with a certain question, which they wanted 
to put to the radiant young bride. Lady Margaret was 
standing not far away, Percival was close to his wife; 
his face was radiant with untold pride and happiness, 
when a lady suddenly said : Mrs. Manners, we have a 
great favour to ask of you." 

I will grant it if possible," replied Oceana. 

It is this : We want you to take us to see the picture 
of the great Lady Francesca Manners in the picture gal- 


292 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


lery, for we have discovered one by one that you 
bear a most striking resemblance to that beautiful 
lady.” 

Oceana changed colour a trifle, Percival’s face grew 
red, he turned to give a hurried direction to a footman 
who was bringing in more tea. When he had time to 
glance round again Lady Margaret was speaking for the 
benefit of all who chose to hear. 

I am sorry that my dear daughter will have to dis- 
appoint you, my good friends,” she said, ‘‘ for the pic- 
ture is not in the gallery at present, although I expect it 
back in a very short time.” 

Mother,” said Percival. He dropped his voice, and 
his mother alone heard his smothered exclamation. She 
laid her hand on his arm ; her hand was cold and she was 
shaking a little. 

Yes, Percival,” she said. Then again she raised 
her voice. With my daughter’s permission I should 
myself like to show you all the picture of Lady Fran- 
cesca in one month from the present day. My daughter, 
no doubt, bears a striking resemblance to that beautiful 
woman, and we are proud of the likeness, are we not, 
Percival ? ” 

Percival bowed, but found it almost impossible to 
speak. When the crowd had dispersed, and he and his 
wife were alone upstairs, he commented to her on his 
mother’s manner. 

I thought the great picture was gone forever,” he 

said. 

‘‘ You heard what she said ? ” remarked Oceana. 

I am more relieved than I can say,” was his answer. 

Oceana went to him and kissed him. 


OCEAISTA^S GIRLHOOD 


293 


Dear/’ she said to him in a low tone/’ we must 
be very gentle with her; we must love her most ten- 
derly.” 

“ There never was anyone like you,” was the reply. 

My mother has been a difficult person to understand, 
hut you seem to have got into her innermost heart.” 

I think I have,” said the young wife, with a smile. 

It was on that same evening, shortly after dinner, 
that Margaret came quickly into the room where Oceana 
and her husband were sitting together. 

Mother has had another of those strange attacks,” 
she said ; I sent for the doctor ; he has been, and says 
that we must be very careful of her. She has recovered 
for the time being ; but I am cruelly disappointed. I did 
hope that she had got over them altogether, and 
was going to be as strong and well as ever again. Ho, 
Percival, you are not to go to her; but she wants 
Oceana.” 

Yes, let me go at once, Percy,” said Oceana. She 
ran hastily out of the room. Margaret sat down by her 
brother. 

Is it really serious, Meg ? ” he asked. 

It might have been. The doctor does not like 
the state of her heart. He thinks she has had a fresh 
shock.” 

It seems impossible,” said Percival ; then he added 
after a time, “ How Oceana understands her, how she 
comforts her, and makes life a pleasure and a happiness 
to her ! ” 

That is true,” said Margaret, but in my opinion a 
still more wonderful thing has happened. Did you not 
hear mother tell the people to-day that the great Gains- 


294 OCEAlSrA’S GIRLHOOD 

borougli would be in the picture gallery in a month’s 
time ? ” 

I did,” said Percival. It is almost past belief. 
What is the story of that picture, Meg? Why, in the 
first place, did mother ever sell it, and why, now, of all 
times, does she want it back ? Oh, Margaret, it is a great 
relief to me ; I value that picture, as you can well under- 
stand, for a double reason. First, because it is so like 
my darling wife ; and second, because of its own intrinsic 
value. I cannot tell you how I have fretted over its 
departure.” 

Well, it is safe to return,” said Margaret. The 
mums was always a little queer, but at least she will 
faithfully keep her word to Oceana.” 

My mother has always kept her word,” said the 
young man proudly. 

Meanwhile Oceana went with her swift step towards 
the sick woman’s room. She opened the door and en- 
tered. Lady Margaret was lying in bed supported by 
pillows, her maid was in the room. Oceana motioned for 
the woman to retire. 

Please go,” she said. I want to be alone with my 
mother.” 

The maid withdrew. Lady Margaret turned and fixed 
her eyes on the girl. 

I have had a bad attack, my darling,” she said. I 
thought those times of pain and nearness to death were 
at an end, but they were not, and I now see something 
clearly, something which I could not see when first you 
spoke your strong and comforting words to me. Oceana, 
I will tell you now my story and your story.” 

You will some day,” said Oceana, “ when you are 
quite strong.” 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


295 


No, dear; not some day, for with me some day may 
mean never; but at once, at once, darling, and I want 
to say also that the little cowardly feeling which made 
me shrink from others knowing what I did, how I acted, 
during all the years of the past, that mean and dreadful 
sensation has gone, Oceana. The story is your property, 
my dear, but it is to be also the property of your hus- 
band.” 

Oh, no,” said the girl, and she fell on her knees by 
Lady Margaret, and took her hand, clasping it in both 
her own. 

No, no, no,” she repeated. Where is the need ? 
We arranged otherwise — it was our compact — I was to 
marry him, thus I came into possession. I don’t want 
him to know. I would rather he did not. Don’t allow 
me to be the one to show his mother in a light — oh, 
darling — in a light — not the best, not the most honour- 
able. Keep to your agreement with Oceana ; she always 
was a strange girl, this is her desire, this is her hridal 
gift to her husband, don’t take the joy away from her, 
don’t — promise, promise.” 

Oceana, you always have a queer power over me ; but 
listen ! I don’t want to meet my Maker with a lie on 
my soul.” 

You will have told me, it will be all right,” said the 
girl ; and you will tell me also, in a very few words, for 
I nearly guess — not the particulars, of course, but the , 
main, big fact. And about the picture, mother, the great 
Gainsborough. Percival is so pleased that it is going to 
hang once again in its old place in the gallery.” 

I arranged that,” said Lady Margaret. As soon 
as ever I heard that you had promised to be Percival’s 
wife. It is my wedding gift to you, my darling.” 


296 


OCEANA’S GIELHOOD 


Again the girl kissed the lady’s worn, white hands. 
Now,” she said, her colour coming and going, we 
are quite sure of one thing, are we not? that you will 
allow me to keep the secret inviolate, for ever and ever ? ” 
Oceana, T will tell you everything, and afterwards, 
you shall decide.” 


CHAPTEK XXX 


You are not to tell me any more to-night,” said 
Oceana. “ Of that I am resolved ; but let me tell you 
what I know, what I have guessed for some time. I be- 
lieve that Percival and I are not really strangers, I be- 
lieve that he is connected with me by birth. He may 
not be my first cousin, he may not even be my second, 
but my people belong to you, and to Percival, and to 
Eanborough, and when you have told me all, it may 
even happen that I, little Oceana, the child drawn from 
the sea, am the real owner of Eanborough and all this 
great estate. This is as I have guessed — oh, donT look 
so white — here, have some of this restorative.” 

The girl sprang up hastily, poured something into a 
glass and put it to the lady’s lips. 

What is money ? ” she said. “ Do you think I care 
one whit for it ? Have I not had a perfectly glorious 
life? with those darling Barfoots to begin, and after- 
wards at school and many lovely things. All that part 
I owe to you. Then I have had my time at Glenleven, 
where I met Percival and knew that I loved him. Was 
there ever a girl who had a happier life ? Do you think 
it is any grief to me, just to have missed a little money, 
and — and — a little rank? How, dearest, I have got 
them back, for I belong to Percival, and although I do 
wish to hear the true story, and you shall tell it me to- 
297 


298 


OCEANA’S GIKLHOOD 


morrow, Percival must never know, never! He must 
always believe that he married a poor girl, just because 
he loved her, and that he is the rightful owner of Fan- 
borough. We must keep to our compact — I hold you to 
it. Percival is never to know 1 Now, promise, promise.” 

Will God forgive me if I die like this, keeping my 
sin to myself, and just you alone, the wronged one, know- 
ing?” 

Oh, darling, He has forgiven.” 

You are sure ? ” 

“ As sure as that I love you, and as sure as I am that 
Percival and I love each other. Why should the ques- 
tion of money come between us when we are one ? Dar- 
ling you must keep your word. The idea gave you com- 
fort when I suggested it.” 

It did, because I was a coward, and I clung to my 
little rag of self-respect; but to-day, when I so nearly 
died, I felt that my sin must be proclaimed to all the 
world.” 

To God, Who forgives,” replied Oceana, in her sol- 
emn young voice, and to the girl, who loves you, but to 
no one else, remember; and now, you must sleep. To- 
morrow you will tell me what little there is left to be 
told, for I am in truth not keenly anxious for particulars, 
when I am acquainted with the main facts; but time 
enough for those things to-morrow.” 


CHAPTEK XXXI 


It was at an early hour on the following day that 
Margaret tapped at the room door where Percival and 
his young wife slept. Oceana heard the sound and ran 
at once to the door. She opened it. Her face was nearly 
as white as was the face of Margaret. 

Oceana, come ; she wants you. I have been sitting 
up with her all night ; I could not leave her. She wants 
you and she says you are to come.” 

Is my mother very ill ? ” asked Percival, calling out 
from the other side of the room. 

Yes, yes, but she wants Oceana alone.” 

I will send for you, Percy,” said Oceana. Yes, 
Meg, I will go to her at once.” 

She hastily put on a white dressing-gown, tied the 
cord round her waist and left the room. 

Don’t come with me, Meg,” she said. 

There was something shining out of Oceana’s eyes at 
that moment which caused Margaret to arrest her own 
rapid steps ; she let the girl go on before. When Oceana 
entered the room where Lady Margaret was lying, and 
closed the door behind her, Margaret clasped her hands 
tightly together. 

She belongs to us, she is one of us. What is — ^what 
is mother’s secret ? ” she thought. She sank down trem- 
bling on the broad window-ledge. 

299 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


i500 

Meanwhile Oceana went up to the sick woman. 

You are here and the dawn has come, the dawn of a 
new life for us both,” said Lady Margaret. 

Yes, dear. You will tell me in a very few words, 
won^t you ? ” 

In a very few, darling, I will tell you. First of all, 
your name — ^you remember the little shirt ? ” 

I remember it,” said Oceana. 

And the initials embroidered on it ? ” 

“ Yes,” said Oceana. L. F. F.” 

They stand for ^ Leonora Frances Favenec.’ ” 
Oceana repeated the words quietly under her breath. 
Leonora Frances Favenec,” she said. 

Yes, your name, my child. And now I will tell you 
in as few words as possible your little story. 

Your father, my husband’s elder brother, went to 
Australia about twenty years ago. He was a strange 
man, full of strange ideas. He was nearly thirty years 
of age when he left his home, his home of Fanborough. 
His name was Francis Manners. Before he went he 
had a long conversation with my husband. He said he 
was sick of wealth and the ties of wealth, and intended 
to give up the place to my husband, who was to take all 
the rights of the elder son, on one condition and one 
alone — that if ever, by any chance, Francis Manners 
chose to marry and had a child, he was to resign his in- 
heritance, absolutely and completely, in favour of this , 
child. 

^ I am not likely to marry,’ he said in conclusion. 

^ I want to live a free life ; I shall go away with certain 
funds in my possession, enough to keep me going until I 
get into the wild country where I can live as a free man 
and true, unfettered by all the trammels of so-called 


OCEAISTA’S GIRLHOOD 


301 


civilisation.’ Mj husband was a long time before he 
yielded, but at last he did so. He was married at the 
time — I was his wife. He had married the younger 
daughter of an almost penniless peer. I was proud, am- 
bitious. Francis saw me as well as my husband, and 
urged on us both to yield to his request. ^ I don’t mind 
wronging myself ; the chances are I shall not marry. If 
I never marry Fanborough will be yours and will belong 
to your son when he comes of age.’ Already my little 
son was born. Are you listening ? ” 

Yes,” replied the girl, her eyes shining. 

^ But in case,’ continued Francis Manners, ‘ I should 
change my mind, I cannot wrong my own flesh and blood. 
Fanborough is not entailed on the male line and will go 
to any child, be it son or daughter, who may be born to 
me. It is most unlikely that I shall ever marry, most 
unlikely that you will ever be disturbed. Will you take 
the chance ? ’ 

My husband was not a specially worldly-minded 
man, Oceana; he was against it, but in the end he 
yielded. Francis went away, and for years and years 
and years we heard nothing about him. Then there 
came the news that he was dead. I was delighted — I 
will not hide anything from you, my child — he was dead 
and we were safe. At that time my dear husband was 
ill ; it was the beginning of his mortal illness. One day, 
one awful morning, I came downstairs. I entered our 
breakfast-room ; the post was waiting for me. Amongst 
other letters there was one with the Australian postmark. 
I took it up ; I opened it. It was from a stranger, a man 
by the name of Everett — ^Ralph Everett. He wrote to 
tell me that he was returning to England immediately, 
bringing with him the only child of my husband’s elder 


302 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


brother, Frank Manners, who had married and who had 
taken the name of Favenec, not wishing anyone of the 
old country to find out that he was really the legitimate 
owner of Fanhorough in Yorkshire. He was known as 
a prosperous farmer; he had married a very beautiful 
girl, who had died at the birth of his child. On his own 
death-bed he had confided his entire story to Everett, 
and had desired him to realise what money he could for 
the farm, and sell it, and bring his little daughter back ; 
to take the child straight to Fanborough and to give her 
into the charge of his brother and his wife. Everett was 
to see that full justice was done to her. 

When I read this letter I was as nearly stunned as 
woman could be. I rushed out of doors and spent hours 
in the open air, trying to calm myself. I was furious ; I 
was frantic with emotion. My one desire, my one con- 
suming thought was to keep the worst from my husband. 
He was very ill, and, making a tremendous effort, I 
managed to do so. He died without ever knowing that 
the real heiress of Fanborough was come back to Eng- 
land. Then, Oceana, there came the wreck of the 
Hercules, when all on board, every soul, perished, includ- 
ing the man Ralph Everett, who was bringing you back. 
Even the names of the passengers were not forthcoming, 
for the captain’s log, everything on board, went to the 
bottom. All England rang with news of the wreck, all 
» England rang with the story of the blue-eyed child, who 
alone had been saved from destruction. I guessed, my 
dear, I guessed that that child might possibly be you, 
but I would not tell anyone of my fears. I waited and 
waited. Sir Charles Dyke took up the case and adver- 
tised high and low for some tidings which would throw 
light on your identity, and there was none forthcoming. 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


303 


Tlie search died down, the fire of curiosity faded for 
want of fuel ; you grew up with the Barfoots. I alone 
guessed. ‘ Still ’ I said to myself ‘ I am not sure,’ and 
as month after month and year after year passed and 
Ralph Everett never appeared, and no tidings whatever 
j came of him or the orphan child of my husband’s brother, 
I comforted myself with the thought that you were 
really dead and that the property was secured to Perci- 
val. In my husband’s lifetime I had not loved Fan- 
borough as I loved it then, when each day and hour I 
feared that I should lose it. Then suddenly, dear, as you 
remember, I came across you — a pretty, wild, beautiful 
girl, with those blue eyes that belong to so many of the 
women of our race. The instant I saw you my very 
heart stpod still. Even then, in your wild, coarse cloth- 
ing, you had the manners of a little queen, and you had a 
look of two people, one was your late father, Francis 
Manners, the other Lady Francesca, whose celebrated 
picture I have removed from the picture-gallery, because 
of your extraordinary likeness to it. I took you up, my 
dear child, I felt I had to ; I was tortured by you, you 
drove me almost mad! nothing would induce me to tell 
the story; Percival should inherit all. I hugged a scor- 
pion to my breast, the scorpion of the concealment of that 
mystery. I nearly died from the weight of that 
secret. 

Well, I found out some particulars with regard to 
the stranger who was buried in the little churchyard near 
the Ridge Farm. I heard what his last words were. 
^ She is of high rank and a great heiress.’ I went to 
see Mrs. Barfoot and got her to let me examine the little 
shirt, the initials on the shirt were the final blow — 
^ L.F.F.’ When Everett had written he had told us that 


OCEANA^S GIRLHOOD 


;i04 


the child was called ‘ Leonora Frances ’ — Leonora after 
her mother, Frances because of her father, and Favenec, 
the strange name which mj brother-in-law had taken. 
All was plain as daylight. I wanted no further proof. 
I offered Mrs. Barfoot thirty pounds for the little shirt ; 
she refused it with scorn. 

Well, dear, that is the story. I will honestly say 
that I hated you. My object was to educate you; I 
wanted to do this to soothe the agony at my breast ; after- 
wards I meant you to go abroad. I secured as I thought 
a good post for you in Australia, but at each point I was 
defeated, my designs were frustrated. The Hunting- 
dons took a strange fancy to you and decided to keep 
you as their own adopted child ; they would not send you 
to Mrs. Huntingdon's sister in Sydney. I could not ex- 
plain the fierceness of my punishment; it began when 
you, Oceana, settled down at my very gates. Then — 
then, indeed, I thought I should die ! Then, at the last 
moment, when my tortures were too great almost to be 
endured, you came yourself ; with your own hands you 
touched my wound, you made suggestions, you tried to 
save me.” 

Mother ! ” said the girl. She knelt by Lady Mar- 
garet’s side. All is well,” she said. “ I am glad I 
belong to you ; that in heart and soul and spirit I am one 
of your race. You are sorely tried, but God has forgiven 
you. How rest in peace.” 

I want to tell Percival ; I want him to know all.” 

Oceana rose. “ I will be back in a minute,” she said. 

She left the room. She returned in a few minutes, 
holding her husband’s hand. 

“ Percy, kiss your dear mother. I have been most 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


305 


fortunate in removing a great load from her heart ; she 
has nothing to fear ever again; all is peace, all is rest. 
She wishes to share that load with you, but that would 
be unkind to her, Percy, for she must never even speak 
of it again. And, Percy, here is a very tiny parcel and 
there is a small fire in the grate. Don’t open the parcel, 
dear, but put it yourself into the fire.” 

Percival looked at his wife; he glanced at his mother. 
Then he took the little sea-stained shirt, with its tell-tale 
initials, and put it into the fiame. It was dry and burnt 
up quickly. Oceana went over to Lady Margaret and 
whispered in her ear. The last clue has now 
gone.” Then she said, Percival, kiss your mother, 
and stay with her for a little, while I go away and 
dress.” 

As a matter of fact Lady Margaret never did tell her 
son Percival the true story of that little shirt, nor of 
Oceana’s origin. On the contrary, she took his hand, 
pressed it to her lips and burst into tears. Those tears, 
in some extraordinary way, and the strong feel of the 
young man’s hand, seemed to strengthen her and to give 
her peace. As he held her hand she "dropped off asleep, 
and when she awakened she was better. Once again 
Oceana had exercised her life-giving powers. 

There came a day at Fanborough when many visitors 
arrived from an early hour to visit the old place. They 
came by special invitation and were welcomed by the 
young mistress. Lady Margaret being too weak to receive 
them. Oceana flitted about and gave them tea, and 
pleased them as much as she always pleased everyone. 
Her voice was full of. charm, her manner full of dignity. 
People looked at her and wondered where she had got 
that grace, that refinement, that air of high breeding. 


306 


OCEANA’S GIRLHOOD 


There was a little talk of ^ Nature’s ladies; ” but some- 
how the idea did not gain ground. 

Oceana suddenly appeared in the midst of her friends. 
They were congregated on the great terrace in front of 
the house. 

My mother bids you all follow me,” she said. She 
is waiting to see you in the picture gallery.” 

Curiosity and interest were immediately aroused ; the 
guests followed Oceana in a stream. She took them up- 
stairs and into one of the proudest picture galleries in 
England. There in its old place was the portrait of that 
great lady whom Oceana so singularly resembled. She 
looked with her haughty blue eyes out into that world 
which she had so long left. She seemed indifferent to 
its little vanities, its little frets, its little pleasures; she 
was removed from all that. Nevertheless, her presence 
— a gracious one — ^not proud, but gentle, not high and 
mighty, but with the ornament of a quiet spirit, seemed 
to pervade that gallery. The visitors turned to look. 

Why, Lady Francesca is alive again,” one said to 
the other. 

No, no,” said Lady Margaret. Come here, my 
child.” 

She took Oceana’s hand. 

In the present lady of Fanborough, my friends and 
neighbours, you see a far greater and a far nobler woman 
than the great Lady Francesca. Welcome her to your 
hearts, for she belongs to you, she belongs to Fanborough 
forever.” 

There was a cheer, taken up by people close to Lady 
Margaret and Oceana, and which sounded down the long 
gallery. Then Oceana, with a smile in her blue eyes, 
turned to her neighbours. 


OCEANA^S GIKLHOOD 


307 


I was drawn from the sea, you know,” she said. 
Think how happy I am in my present life. Percival, 
see to everyone. I think tea is waiting on the terrace. 
I will be with you soon, my friends, but I must first go 
with my mother to her room.” 


THE END. 











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